Farmers in the Tabor City region are facing an unprecedented drought, described as the worst in nearly five decades, casting uncertainty over this year's sweet potato yield. Hunter McPherson, whose farm contributes to the North Carolina Yam Festival, expresses concern over meeting the festival's supply demands due to the drought's severity. "It's been the worst drought we've ever had because it's so widespread. It didn't rain for two months, maybe 2 or 3 tenths of rain here. This area out here was the worst of any of it," McPherson stated.
The drought has delayed the sweet potato harvest, traditionally beginning by the second week of October, to November. Despite the challenges, McPherson remains hopeful, planning to initiate harvesting on the festival day to gauge the crop's condition. The scarcity of rain has not only affected the local yield but also the size of the sweet potatoes, potentially leading to a smaller harvest. "There's going to be a short crop this year...But, I think we're going to have a decent crop, but I believe it's going to be not full capacity, and I believe they're going to be smaller than normal," McPherson explained.
With the ongoing drought, sweet potatoes have become scarce, prompting buyers to seek alternatives in South Carolina, where conditions have been slightly more favorable. The situation underscores the critical need for water and time to salvage this year's crop, with hopes pinned on a warmer winter to extend the growing season. McPherson's immediate concern remains whether the harvest will be sufficient for the upcoming festival.
Source: WECT6