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Farmer describes drought conditions in the west

A Pacific Northwest farmer says dry weather has been a challenge this spring.

Michael Crowder and his family raise corn and several specialty crops in Washington state.

“We’re mid-70s and extremely dry,” he says. “We’ve had essentially no rain for the year and are in an exceptional drought, if not a severe drought.”

He tells Brownfield planting is now underway.

“We’re working out the bugs and starting to run,” he says. “We’re planting corn and peas and this afternoon I’ll be doing sweet corn and some other vegetable crops—there’s a lot going on.” 

Crowder is president of the National Association of Conservation Districts, where he represents and advances conservation work for farmers, ranchers, and conservationists.