Local farmers impacted by severe drought

DEERFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Nearly all of Massachusetts is in a critical drought after months of consistently dry weather and almost no rain.

The owner of Atlas Farms in Deerfield, Gideon Porth says his biggest difficulty is seeding crops for the winter. He says these crops aren't germinating without any moisture and has seen other crops dying off. He is hoping for some rainfall to help get things back on track.

"The recent dry weather hasn't impacted production yet. But, you know, we're not too far away from the next growing season and we generally prefer dry weather. It's better when we can add water. We can't take it away," said Porth.

Over the last month, most of the state received less than an inch of rain which is 3 to 4.5 inches below normal.

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