Farmers losing crops to weather changes

Produce could be more expensive

 UPDATED 7:37 AM MST Jan 18, 2013

The extreme back and forth weather is killing crops and now, farmers are saying produce could be more expensive at the grocery store.

Months ago, the nation was in a severe drought and lacking water. Now the metro area is experiencing a cold snap. The harsh weather was too much of a toll on agriculture and therefore a lot of that agriculture didn't make it. 

Wesely James, the general manager at Skarsgard Farms, told Action 7 News they've seen about $5,000 in damage over the last few months. While two acres of their 15 acre farm is in greenhouses and under plastic, the farm has still lost lettuce, kale and chard. James said because it has been so cold in the morning, a lot of the plants have gotten frost. In the afternoon, the sun beats down on the greenhouses, and the plants get really warm. Typically, the sun is good for the plants, but not when they have frost on them.

In addition, the plants lack water at times. When temperatures reach below freezing, the farm's irrigation pipes freeze and it takes a while to thaw out meaning throughout the day, water can't run.

"It's always a tricky time of year," he said.

James said they will likely keep their prices similar to what they were last year. He stresses buying local for that reason. Yet, produce coming from other areas will likely be a bit more in price compared to 2012.

Right now, the farm is harvesting carrots, beets, radishes and they have lavender planted as well. James said these plants can withstand the cold temperatures and extreme weather because the edible parts are beneath the ground.

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