Drought conditions a benefit to some farmers

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The drought conditions are negative for some farmers but it can also be helpful for some produce sold at local stores.

One produce supplier to restaurants in Mid-Missouri says farmers he deals with locally are dealing with the weather pattern as best they can.

Tomatoes and some vine fruits are delayed this year because of the lack of water but Chuck Bay says fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe are actually benefiting.

But while the lack of rain is good for one plant on the other some farmers need to restock their water supply.

"Guys that grow grapes or things like that, where they are irrigating out of a pond, they would like that pond refilled once in a while, so some rain is good, but too much rain is not good," said Chuck Bay.

Bay says that one fall crop that could be in for increased production is pumpkins as the drier weather helps to fight off different fungi that can hurt the gourd.