Published: July 27, 2007 08:17 pm      

Recent rain storms not enough to eliminate drought; only to alleviate it

TAZEWELL, Va. — Recent rain showers have not been enough to eliminate a drought gripping southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia, but they bring welcome relief to farmers.

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va. predicted up to a 30 percent chance of thundershowers up to Monday evening. Heavy rain passed through Bluefield at approximately 3 p.m.

Much of the two Virginias have been experiencing moderate drought conditions for several weeks, reducing the growth of hay farmers raise for winter cattle feed. Local gardens have also been affected, and Christmas tree growers have lost 50 percent or more of newly planted trees to dry conditions.

The last week of rain has helped quench some thirsts, local agricultural agents said Friday.

“It helps tremendously,” said Mark Harris, an agent with the Virginia Tech Extension Service in Tazewell, Va. “Hopefully it’s the start of a drought breaker.”

Even if the recent storms have not ended the drought, it could save farmers from major expenses later this year.

“It really got us out of an emergency situation for sure,” Harris said. “We were on the verge of using our winter feed in the middle of the summer, but we have not reached that point yet.”

Farmers who use the hay grown for the winter too early are forced to buy feed later, reducing their income. A second option, selling cattle early, also cuts into farm incomes because the calves are not yet heavy enough to turn a good profit.

Harris said he would like to see more rainy days followed by sunshine; such a sequence for several weeks would help. Even if the rain doesn’t end the drought, it is welcome.

“We won’t be sending any of it back,” he said.

West Virginia extension agents were not available for comment Friday.