The more abundant amount of rain seen across the region than normal for this time of year is greatly helping farmers across the area and in Clinton County.

However, due to the severity of the late spring drought, some irreversible damage to crops, thus yields from those crops, have already been done, according to Phil Smith, Clinton County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Smith noted in a recent interview that the most damage done was to corn, hay and pastures, especially the earlier planted crops. He said the later planted crops were making a comeback because of the much needed moisture, but some crops had already been cut.

The early planted corn crops, not only in Kentucky, but other states as well, were heavily damaged leaving many farmers to cut the crop and use it for grain or stored silage. “The yields (for corn) was really hurt,” Smith said.

Until all the numbers are in at the end of the growing season this fall, Smith noted it would be hard to determine the percentage loss for each crop, however, he did estimate this years corn crop, on average, was about 40 to 50 bushels per acre as compared to a normal amount to 150 to 175 bushels.

“A lot of corn is going into silage this year,” said Smith, adding that due to the heat stress suffered along with the lack of rain, this could cause higher nitrate concentration problems for some producers.

The extension service does offer a sampling service for farmers and Smith said some local samples had been taken by the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, which tests the silage for high amounts of nitrate–which in some cases could be toxic if fed to animals.

Smith said that some samples had shown higher than normal nitrate levels, but thus far, not to the extent of having too much nitrate to make it toxic to animals.

The extension agent also noted that some late hay crops were making a come back with the rains, but estimated overall hay and pastures were down by around a third.

Ironically, now one of the least produced crops in this area, tobacco, is one of few crops planted that didn’t have much of an adverse effect due to the lack of rain, as tobacco usually can withstand longer periods of dryness than most crops. Smith said, however, that even the tobacco crops in the county has improved since the rains began to fall a few weeks ago.

The drought has also taken a toll on cattle producers due to drought stress as over the past couple of months, markets on cattle have dropped 20 to 30 cents a pound, Smith said.

Despite the early season drought, Smith said he has seen quite a bit of good looking produce, as evident from some of the products being sold this summer at the Farmers’ Market and other locations.

“Earlier planted crops and produce took a beating,” said Smith, but added the later planted crops have done much better.

“The rain has already helped, but not reversed course,” Smith said late last week. Since that time, even more rains have fallen.

Smith estimated the county was behind by at least four inches of rainfall compared to average amounts and noted that getting all four inches of rain at one time may not help in the long haul, but rather steady rains that add up over the weeks ahead would be the most beneficial to farmers.

Although Clinton County and the south central area was hit hard by lack of rain and heat for a period of time, the extension agent did note we were fortunate compared to some areas of the state–especially the western half and states to our north like Illinois.

“We have no control over the weather,” he said, but advised farmers to evaluate their crop situations and make decisions based on good sound yield estimates. He noted the extension office was available to assist farmers at any time and would be happy to help.

The effects of the spring and early summer drought may also bring forth some programs and disaster type relief at both the state and federal levels if actual disaster declarations are made.

Russell Means with the Clinton County Farm Service Agency office said the county board had met and done an assessment which has been forwarded to the state office in Frankfort. That assessment was sent in around July 19 and the Kentucky FSA office will make a determination on offering assistance to farmers and cattlemen. There may also be federal assistance made available in the future as well.