THOMAS COUNTY, Ga. — Heat and drought are hitting Thomas County farmers especially hard right now.
They're really hoping to get some rain to help with the hard, dry soil.
We spoke to farmers on Monday who said recent heat could possibly lead to smaller crops this year.
Without rain vines, these fields that are not irrigated, they get beaten down by the heat and then the plants cannot hold their normal weight of peanuts.
The heat evaporates the nutrients that the plant needs to grow and that forces the peanut to slow its growth process.
Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Agent, Sydni Barwick, says these conditions have become severe in Thomas County.
"Throughout the county, according to the drought monitor, we're anywhere between abnormally dry to I think they've categorized it as a severe drought," said Barwick.
Barwick says the heat is just as bad as the lack of rain. To ensure a decent crop farmers have been advised to bring in their crop about 20 days early.
Normally peanut farmers would turn over the peanuts between 140 to 142 days. After almost a month of no rain, all farmers can do is hope the skies open up.
According to the Thomasville Airport, the area last saw rain on Sept. 19.
