The Delaware Valley, including Delaware County and surrounding areas in the Philadelphia region, is experiencing a drought that has lasted 23 days without measurable rain, affecting local agriculture. At Linvilla Orchards, concerns have been raised about the future of peach, pear, and apple trees. Norm Schultz, a farmer at Linvilla, highlighted that the lack of rain could reduce the number of flower buds produced by the trees, potentially leading to a smaller fruit yield in 2025. "We're just worried about the trees being under so much stress, how many flowers they're making, and the number of flowers directly impacts the amount of fruit next year," Schultz explained. Linvilla Orchards is utilizing drip irrigation to maintain moisture for smaller crops, such as strawberries, and noted that fig trees are showing resilience in these dry conditions.
Danielle Wainwright, co-owner of Clover Valley Farm, expressed the critical need for rainfall to support the planting of fall crops and to prevent further losses. The drought has already resulted in an estimated 30% decrease in yield for the farm this year, underscoring the urgent need for significant rainfall to mitigate the ongoing agricultural challenges.
Source: CBS News