Hot, Dry Weather Impacts Area Food Farmers July 21, 2008

Made nervous by the recent tomato-related salmonella scare, more Central Texans than ever have been turning to locally-raised produce purchased from area farmer's markets, roadside stands and locally-labeled products in grocery stores. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the very best year for local growers.

"We've had a late summer early this year," comments Andrew Smiley, farm marketing representative for the non-profit Sustainable Food Center in Austin. "There have been 28 days with temperatures over 100 in the Austin area already. We've had a month of 100s and we haven't even seen August yet."

The Center supports direct farm-to-consumer sales by sponsorship of two farmer's markets in Austin. It also links local growers to large commercial buyers, including the Seton Family of Hospitals, which purchases at least part of the fresh fruits and vegetables served in facility cafeterias from local farmers. In his role, Andrew sees and works with farmers on a regular basis.

"Folks are having a variety of challenges with early high temperatures, including lower pollination rates and lower fruiting rates for certain vegetable crops."

Since most plants developed during hot, dry conditions, many responded negatively to the rain, including tomatoes, that had not been used to absorbing that much moisture. As a result, tomatoes are splitting. Although the flavor is still good, Andrew says splitting shortens the shelf life to virtually nothing, so most farmers won't attempt to sell them, thus resulting in a crop loss.

Water Issues

Water is the most important issue facing area farmers right now. "When it is so hot and dry the real issue is where the water will come from," adds Andrew. "Farmers are struggling to compete with spreading development, both commercial and residential in near-by extra-urban and rural areas. Without steady rainfall to refill shallow aquifers, irrigation and stock tanks, they are relying more and more on well water."

He described one farm where a shallow well failed, so the owners spend several thousand dollars re-drilling a much deeper well. Now that well is also dry.

Farming Response

Andrew believes that farmers are persistent and resilient or they wouldn't stay in the business. "Whether it's this, an early freeze, wind damage or hail, farmers are always at the mercy of weather conditions. In a lower production year, all the farmers we work with are tenacious. A bad year doesn't mean they are out of business, just that they have issues to deal with."

"There are countless reasons why the farmers we work with have gotten into farming. A commonality we find is they say they wouldn't want to do anything else. They are committed to overcoming whatever gets thrown in their way."

Gasoline prices also are impacting farmers. The Austin Farmer's Markets limit participants to those who grow produce within 150 miles. "If a farmer has to drive 100 miles to get to the market, they may try to consolidate their trip by looking for other market outlets, including retailers and restaurants before making the trip. Another impact may be felt when winter rolls around when greenhouse operators will begin to feel the pinch."

What This Means To Consumers

"We've seen a huge increase in interest in locally grown foods from consumers. Most have been expressing understanding of the fluctuations. Folks are willing to pay for products that may be a little worse in quality that in the past. Prices may be in line with grocery store prices, or sometimes a little higher."

"Others need to understand the conditions farmers are working through this year. But we've definitely seen interest in local food, a growing understanding of the situation and the importance of supporting local farms," says Andrew.

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