By Ian Hest
8@klkntv.com
In almost 150 years, we've never had a July this dry and it's putting tremendous strain on farmers, but soon you'll feel it too.
As these record temperatures continue, crops are feeling the heat.
The ag department says nearly two–thirds of the nation is in some level of drought, leading future corn and soy prices to all–time highs.
Hilary Maricle with Common Ground says, "We do tend to see some price fluctuation when we see a drought like this, however we aren't going to see it today or tomorrow. With the marketplace, the food that's on our shelves right now with most of our food has already been purchased and processed and it's safe."
Common Ground is a group of Nebraska farmers helping consumers connect with farmers who grow their food.
Already prices are rising, but the real pain could hit in late fall.
That's when the impact from this dry heat will show the smaller yield farmers received this season. Forcing many people to make important choices on how to budget their grocery bill. Von Rap says, "As far as budgeting some more money for food? yes. As far as changing what I buy? no. Have to eat."
For other's they say they'll plan a little more. Terra Johnson says, "Getting a lot more stuff from the farmer's market and stuff like that getting that built up so we have some of that stuff ahead of time.
But farmers say saving on groceries is simple... If you're willing to do more work, for example making your own salsa instead of buying it pre–made, your money will go farther.
And waiting longer before throwing out produce will save you some serious cash.
Americans throw out an average of $40 of food every month!
This time of year, your fruits and vegetables, get something fresh.it's the best time of year for that. It's great. It's a huge opportunity.
We've been seeing above average temperatures most of this month.
More than half of those days have been approaching 100 degrees...and that's when crops really get under pressure.
