Tony Evans, an information specialist at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, chats with farmers every day. This season mid-Atlantic farmers will pay more up front to produce a lower yield. Then they'll be selling for low market prices. People tend to take the stress of farm life for granted, said Evans. But emotional support for farmers is very important in times like these, he said.
Churches get very active in such times of stress.
In the past, churches and faith-based groups have organized hay donations for farmers running short on hay and feed. Stan Hankins of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance pointed out that churches can also become involved before farmers reach a crisis point. Churches can also link farmers with the resources that are out there. They can play an advocacy role. Even if more rain arrives, mid-Atlantic farmers could still be facing a hay shortage.