Minnesota's drought leaves farms parched and crops struggling to survive

Minnesota farmers are struggling with persistent hot and dry weather. The lack of rain and snow has left many crops under stress. Livestock and pollination are also feeling the effects of the drought. Rock County has seen a precipitation deficit of over 7 inches this year. The shortfall follows a winter with little snow and a spring with minimal rain. Southwestern areas, including Luverne, Rock, Lincoln, and Pipestone counties, are now in severe or extreme drought.

At Lee Family Farm near Farmington, the dry spell is taking a toll. Txongpao and Hlee Lee grow vegetables on 13 acres for five local markets. Their tomato plants are stunted, and cabbage and cucumbers show clear signs of stress. To keep crops alive, the family is irrigating more often, which raises electricity costs. They also face the challenge of working long hours in the heat.

The drought is not just hurting plants. High temperatures and dry soil are stressing livestock and disrupting crop pollination. Farmers hope for timely rains to prevent further damage to yields before the season ends. The dry conditions have forced the Lee family to increase irrigation and spend more on electricity. Without significant rainfall soon, crop yields and livestock health could worsen. The drought’s impact on agriculture in southwestern Minnesota remains a growing concern.