Popular Hartselle farm struggles under drought conditions

HARTSELLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Hidden Rivers Farm in Hartselle is officially open for the Fall season, but it looks a little different this year.

The farm's sugarcane maze is usually a popular, themed attraction that draws crowds from across North Alabama. Now, it's struggling to grow due to current drought conditions in the area.

"I don't think I've seen a drought this extensive in goodness over six years," said co-owner Mary-Sidney Ritch.

While rain from Hurricane Francine helped the crops, Ritch said it wasn't enough.

"It's like watering your lawn or your garden," she told News 19. "One rain, one good solid rain is great to get you started, but it does need to get rain more than one time."

Even the pumpkins are having trouble. This year, Hidden Rivers had to borrow from nearby farms. Ritch said less rain means higher costs.

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"It provides an extra struggle, because most small farmers can't afford to put in an irrigation system and then an additional $250,000, when next year, we may have a very wet season," Ritch said.

But it's not all bad news. With opening weekend already here, the family-owned farm is finding creative solutions to the lack of rain, like a hay bale maze.

Old favorites have also returned for another year, including pony rides, gem mining and even a canon that shoots apples.

"Being on a farm as long as I have is just part of life and you learn to embrace the change and it forces you to be creative and think outside the box," Ritch said. "Nature's more powerful than all of us... I'm on her playing field!"

Hidden Rivers Farm is open until Nov. 3. For tickets and more information on their Fall hours, you can visit their website .