How bad is it? Well, the 2012 drought is now being compared to the 1930's when year after year of hot, dry weather affected most of the country. During those "Dust Bowl" years, from Colorado to Kansas, into Oklahoma and Texas, farmers who already made as little as $145 a year were unable to grow any crops. For many there was nothing left to do but move, leaving behind their farms. That's what happened to my Mom's family. Her Aunts and Uncles were forced to make the decision to move to California for a chance to start over with better wages and rain, precious rain. Mom's parents stayed and withstood years of failed crops before things got better. Coupled with the Depression it was and understatement to say, "Times were hard."
According to a Weather Channel report, the 2012 drought affects nearly 61% of the country and ranks among the 10 largest droughts that we've seen in the past century. In Arkansas farmers are feeding their livestock hay that's earmarked for winter since there's no longer grass in the pastures. For many, the writing on the wall is too plain... they've had to sell off their cattle and hogs. With grain up 35%, there is little profit to be made on an already depressed market. One of the things that I can remember my Grandma doing everyday was write the weather down on the calendar. She would write the temps and whether the day was sunny or rainy, breezy or still, sultry or frigid. I always thought it was because it filled the day with purpose. Now I realize it was because they suffered through the Dust Bowl. She and Grandpa no doubt had a fear of hard times returning.
So why do farmers stay farmers? It's not like it's a glamorous job. The hours are long and we already know paydays are not that great.
It has to be a love of the land, pure and simple.
Learned from childhood, deep inside.
Along the way, the paybacks come... just not always on a check!
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As i read your post I'm watching rain coming down in buckets...much needed and appreciated. I hope the rest of the country suffering this drought is relieved soon... the weather patterns in the past few years are alarming, to say the least. Great post, portrays the true nature of what a farmers life is like.. the sacrifice when one choses to become a farmer, and the rich rewards, that don't equate on paper.
ReplyDeleteWe are really suffering this summer with heat and drought. Glad you got rain, I know you depend on it too for your garden. Farming affects us all, and it's going to really get in our pockets over the next couple of years. I just dawned on me when I was writing this why Grandma wrote the weather down on the calendar each day.
DeleteI wonder about that every time we drive past a dried up corn field or dried up pond. It makes me very sad because I realize there is a farmer's family hurting because of that. I also know it eventually affects us too. Living in Texas, I understand drought. I can see the lake from my kitchen window and keep watch on the levels because it is our water supply. Love the pictures.
ReplyDeleteTexas has really been hit hardest over the last few years. Our kids moved here two years ago from the San Antonio area and would set outside and "watch" when it would rain. When rain is a rare occurrence, it sure makes it special!
DeleteI surely do hope that history does not repeat itself in this instance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your heart!♥
Me too Tammy, I couldn't help but think that as I wrote this! In reality, it's just the patterns of nature and there's nothing we can do other than pray for rain.
DeleteIt FINALLY rained here last night when some storm s went through. I wish the farms could get a few straight days of it!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what we need! When this high finally lets go of the grip it's got on the midwest we'll all feel like dancing in the rain!
DeleteYour post is a wonderful tribute to farmers across this great land of ours. Their lively hood is so connected to the weather. I pray for rain in the parts of the country that need it, and pray it doesn't come too late.
ReplyDeleteThe crops are gone in many parts of the country so now we'll have to suffer the consequences with higher prices and loss of income for farmers. Many carry crop insurance, that's the only way you can survive if you farm for a living.
DeleteHoping rain comes soon although I suspect it is too late for this seasons crops.
ReplyDeleteTrue, I don't think I've ever seen a time when you could drive for miles into the country and not see cows grazing in pastures. In our area, they've all been sent to market. The small farms will have to rebuild their stock and that takes time. The price of all meat is going to take a big jump in the coming months so stock up!
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