Minnesota farmers battle drought as crops and finances wither under dry spell

Farmers in southwestern Minnesota are struggling with severe drought. Rock, Lincoln and Pipestone counties have seen little rain, leaving crops under stress. The dry spell is now affecting both fields and finances for local growers. Txongpao Lee and Hlee Lee run a 13-acre farm near Farmington. They sell vegetables at five farmers markets, but their plants are suffering. Tomato vines are shorter than usual, while cabbage and cucumber crops show clear signs of stress.

To keep their fields productive, the family has increased irrigation. Higher water use has pushed up their electricity bill by about $100 each month. Hot, dry weather has also made pollination harder, which could reduce final yields.

In Rock County, the shortage is severe. Liz Stahl of University of Minnesota Extension reports a rainfall deficit of more than 7 inches. The lack of water is taking a toll on crops across the region. The Lees are spending more to water their land. Dry conditions continue to threaten harvests in southwestern Minnesota. Farmers are watching their crops closely as the drought persists.