Prevailing dry weather conditions are impacting agricultural production especially for crops such as soybeans, corn and early processing vegetables, according to Agricultural Specialist Bob King.

Both feed and sweet corn are at critical stages for pollination and ear development. Lack of water at pollination will impact both yield and tip fill.

Many farmers in Genesee and Monroe counties are starting to or are continuing to irrigate around the clock to keep up with water requirements for many types of vegetables such as cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and snap beans.

Dry weather conditions tend to be most prevalent west of the Genesee River and the mid-section of Genesee County and extending into Erie and Niagara. Weather conditions for these areas were variable for the last four to six weeks and are showing significant signs of drought stress.

Signs and symptoms of drought stress depend on plant type, soil type as well as Evapo-Transpiration rates.

Water supplies are becoming strained, as recharge in many areas tends to be slow for many area ponds and wells. Dry conditions also encourage disease and insect activity such as aphids and spider mites.