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Drought hurts farmers

We've all seen what the drought has done to our front yards, but farmers are taking an even worse hit.

Two-thirds of the state falls under the extreme drought D-4 classification. That's about 60 percent of Alabama.

WAFF 48's Robyn McGlohn has more on how local farmers are suffering.

Clarence Smith buys fresh vegetables every year -- at least once a week.

Greens and mustards are the usual, although this year it's slim pickings.

"You have to eat canned goods, we don't have anything else fresh to eat...the vegetables are just plum out," says Smith.

Out and low on business.

The drought has taken a toll at Ayers Farmers Market on Cook Avenue.

The produce selling here is actually coming from South Alabama.

"The local farmers have just not had any produce to bring in. Yesterday was the first day we've seen local squash being brought in," says Susan Ayers.

Usually you'll find 15 of those local farmers setting up shop. Today, only 3.

"I think this fella's the only person that has some turnip greens this year mostly," says Smith.

Across the county sits Scott Farm.

For several decades they've been a leading producer of apples and peaches.

Out of the 50 acres of peach trees, they only gathered a few baskets; out of the 100 acres of apples, none.

"I'll be 56 this month, and I don't remember not having apples," says Tommy Scott.

He says the Easter freeze killed the fruit.

The drought is now killing the produce.

"That is our income, our fruit. Of course this year we're relying on corn and soybeans and what vegetables we're raising. And with the lack of rainfall it's going to be tight," says Smith.

Tight to survive with their entire income at zero.