Heat impacts local produce - KOTA Territory News

Heat impacts local produce

With much of KOTA Territory in moderate to severe drought conditions, Rapid City farmers say they're seeing the impact on their crops.
 
Vendors at the farmers market in Rapid City's Founders Park say they've seen their vegetables spring up earlier than last year.

Many predict that could mean a shorter season for vegetables like broccoli, lettuce and cabbage.
While most say their yields haven't differed too much from last year, they say there are extra expenses and problems from the severe heat.
 
"It's hard on the people who are picking and whatever. And, it takes a lot more water, so the water expenses are probably going to go up a lot more," said Sidney Nachtigall, of Nachtigall Gardens. 

Farmers estimate that by this time next month, many of the cold crops like lettuce will be harder to find.