Drought conditions continued into October for Alabama. According to the Oct. 3 Drought Monitor, over half of Alabama suffered drought. The remainder was abnormally dry.

Record-breaking heat and limited or no rainfall this summer and early fall damaged crops, leading to concerns about yields and grade quality. The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady said yields will vary across the state, depending on which fields received sporadic showers. Parched earth made it difficult for peanut farmers to dig the legumes.

Drought also caused farmers to delay planting winter vegetables.

Livestock farmers may feel the effects this winter through a hay shortage. Most have already begun feeding hay.

Producers can check out the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Forage Program at fsa.usda.gov and the Pasture, Range and Forage Insurance Program at rma.usda.gov for assistance.

Alabama Extension has also launched AlabamaDrought.com as a resource.