The drought for Tennessee may have an end in sight. After months of suffering extreme drought conditions recent studies show that although some parts of Tennessee are still considered a severe drought many counties have now downgraded to a moderate to mid-drought climate depending on the area.

Tennessee farmers are thankful for the rain but still expect some hardship from the drought this year. It may take the state a while to see just how much the drought in impacted Tennessee’s agriculture. Farm foreclosures, lack of crop, selling animals and loss of income are just a few of the ways that farmers have taken a hit. However, the entire state in considered a federal disaster area. Farmers can receive assistance through their local extension agency.

This February sent downpours to much of the southeastern region. In Knoxville we received about 6 inches of rain compared to the normal 3.91 inches. As the end of March approaches the Weather Channel reports that Knoxville has accumulated 4.93 inches so far March. Normally in Knoxville averages about 5 inches during the month of March.

Tennessee Agriculture student Trevor Pennington has learned from this experience firsthand from his family’s farm in Williamsport, Tenn.  He said, “It’s vital when owning a cattle farm to have a plan during a drought. This includes decisions such as whether to destock or depopulated the cattle, how to supply water, and developing a grazing budget.”He also explained that refinancing, loans and change cash flow are all hardships that the drought imposes on farmers.

Consumers have also been impacted due to the increase in prices at the grocery stores from the drought. Meat and produce prices have increase significantly. “I try to limit what I spend on fruits at the store because they have been so expensive recently. It’s hard to do on a college budget,” said one UT student. College students are not the only ones whose wallets are hurting. “I have seen a significant increase in the amount that I spend on groceries each week. As a mom it’s hard to cut fruits and vegetables out of a growing family’s diet,” said Leila Hubbard. Hopefully April will bring more showers to help ease the problem that the drought has created.