Rain wanted: June shortfall nears record

TRI-COUNTY AREA (7/6/16) --The month of June saw many days of sunny weather and clear skies. So much so that it could become an issue going forward for local agriculture if there is not more rain soon.
Samantha Borisoff, climatologist with the Northeast Regional Climate Center (NRCC) said the precipitation numbers in Elmira are the eighth driest June on record with only 1.38 inches of rain. She said the average accumulation is 4.29 inches. Elmira's data records date back to 1894.
The same goes for Ithaca, which marked June tied for the second driest on record, also dating back to the 1800s. Ithaca tallied 1.07 inches of rain in June, with an average June accumulation of 3.99 inches.
Borisoff said this is due to the region being dominated by a ridge of high pressure that causes clear skies and a drier climate. She noted prolonged dry weather can lead to agricultural impacts, increased chances of fires and lower water levels in streams.
Judson Reid of the Yates County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Vegetable Program said the Finger Lakes region is very dry. He noted the major impacts on farmers are increased irrigation expense and effort, decreased yields and increased insect pressure.
"Hay crops will be among the most affected, followed by other field crops such as corn and soybeans," Reid said. "Fruit and vegetable crops will also see decreased yields, however many farmers use drip irrigation to offset the moisture deficit."
Reid noted there are a few benefits to a dry year too, such as less weed and disease pressure on crops. The story is similar in Schuyler County as well, with Farm Bureau Field Advisor Lindsay Wickham noting Schuyler may be even drier than surrounding regions.
"I think Schuyler County is the driest of everything north and south of us," Wickham said. "We haven't had measurable rain in three weeks."
Wickham said many farmers have just recently finished up with their first cutting of hay and will need some moisture to get enough growth for a second cutting. He said each cutting yields less and less hay, adding farmers hope to get at least three cuttings. Wickham said this could have an impact on dairy farmers in the area who rely on the hay crop to feed their cows.
"We need a good afternoon soaker," Wickham said.
Wickham noted vegetables are usually small acreage, which makes theme easier to water, albeit at the expense of increased labor. He mentioned the dry weather is actually a boon to mature grapevines, as their roots run deep and there is less chance for disease. However, Wickham said problems could amplify if there is not any significant precipitation soon.
"Things are alright, but if there is no rain in the next week, we will start to hear some moaning," Wickham said.
While June's lack of precipitation continued into the first part of July, Borisoff said there are a few upcoming days of wet weather to help break the cycle. She said the weather outlook showed dry weather through the middle of this week, with a higher chance of precipitation for a few days afterward.