In southeastern New Jersey, farmers face challenges due to extreme drought conditions, with the area experiencing its worst drought in over two decades. Stephen V. Lee, IV, a sixth-generation cranberry farmer in Chatsworth, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting a significant lack of rainfall and the resultant strain on water resources essential for cranberry cultivation. Cranberries require substantial water not just for growth but also for harvesting, as the bogs they grow in need to be flooded to allow the berries to float for collection.
The current drought has raised concerns about the immediate prospects of cranberry farming in the region. Despite the uncertainty, Lee remains hopeful for rainfall and is determined to continue farming practices. The drought also poses broader environmental risks to the New Jersey Pinelands and surrounding areas, exacerbating dry conditions that could lead to further complications for the ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Source: Fox Weather