Drought, heat wave cut into crop yields

TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) – Cotton and soybean fields are being harvested as peak season continues, but a recent drought and heat wave are increasing farmers’ losses.

Wet spring, dry summer

Cotton and soybeans are planted in late April and early May.

This year, that period shifted from a dry spell to a wet one, leaving standing water on many fields in May and June.

That water killed crops during a critical growing point.

The recent drought and heat wave are further lowering yields.

Both crops have long growing seasons and require significant water, and the dry conditions are affecting crops already in need of water.

Had the dry spell occurred earlier in the year, yields could have been even lower.

Mitchell Scruggs, owner of Scruggs, said the lack of rain has been a challenge this summer.

“It’s been pretty hot,” Scruggs said. “We’re lucky with the water that we got back early, but we needed a couple of rains that we didn’t get.”

Fewer profits for farmers

The lack of rain this summer has caused some crops to die off or produce less than expected, resulting in fewer profits for farmers growing what are considered two of the biggest cash crops, according to the report.

A few showers are being tracked across the area. However, it could be too little, too late for the crops.

Warmer temperatures will not extend the harvest season because of the lack of rain the area has received.