Recent rainfall in the Triad offers relief to farmers after one of the driest Januaries on record, but both Guilford and Alamance counties remain in drought conditions.
Steady rain fell across the Triad on Sunday after one of the driest Januaries on record, offering relief to farmers working along the Guilford and Alamance county line.
Despite recent sleet, snow and rain, both counties remain fully in drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Statewide, more than 9.4 million North Carolinians live in areas classified as drought.
January ranked among the driest on record in the region, with nearly 2 inches less precipitation than normal.
For Mike Ross, owner of Mike’s Local Honey and Produce in Alamance County, the impact of that dryness is visible in the soil.
Ross has farmed for decades, growing watermelons, raising honeybees and planting crimson clover as forage for pollinators. Even with rain falling Sunday, he focused on what was happening beneath the surface.
“We’ve had so little rain, but this is perfect condition right now for planting. It’s a little bit too wet, but after two or three days of drying, it would be good,» Ross said.
Ross said what matters most is how deeply the water soaks into the ground.
“So, as this soaks on down, it’ll start replenishing the subsoil, and that’s what we need this coming spring,” he said.
Recent winter weather brought additional moisture, and Ross said conditions are improving.