GOSHEN, AL (WSFA) -
Pike County farmers are frightened.
It's because they're not getting any rain!
In fact, many worry this year's rain deficit will surpass last year's and force them out of business.
While he may look busy on the farm there's only one thing filling Curtiss Shaver's mind.
"We can't control rain. So if it doesn't rain...it doesn't grow," he says.
He operates a farm in Goshen--taking his chances planting crops.
"At some point we'll just go and maybe hope for the best, but that's very risky."
Thousands of dollars worth of seed depend on mother nature. The problem is nearly half of the state is in a drought.
Montgomery County is severe. But Pike County is extreme.
"It seems like we have one good year and five bad," says Shaver.
Shaver says with dry spring after dry spring, many of his farming friends have already quit.
He admits the business "is a gamble."
To make matters worse, some lenders are turning their backs, too.
"The economics of this business...it's just so costly," says Shaver.
It's forcing him to make some costly decisions if the rain just doesn't fall.
"We might just cut back or may quit altogether."
Shaver says if crops don't grow this season you could feel the effects in the grocery store.
It could mean higher prices and fewer items to go around.
Copyright 2012 WSFA 12 News. All rights reserved.
Curtiss Shaver pours seed into his tractor.
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