Farmer Taking on Mother Nature

The dry weather is causing major issues for farmers throughout our region, but one farmer in the Poconos is taking on mother nature.

The Josie Porter Farm in Cherry Valley, just outside Stroudsburg, is suffering from the dry weather. The dirt in some places has turned to dust.

“It’s really dry. I don’t have to tell you that,” said Heidi Secord, owner of the Josie Porter Farm.

This dry spell is causing Secord to wait longer to start planting her crops for the summer season.

“I’m really hesitant about plowing and tilling because dry soil structure.  If you get into it, it’s going to damage that soil structure so we’re really trying to be a little bit more patient before getting into our crops,” said Secord.

She and her team of workers are installing an irrigation system at the Josie Porter Farm.

“I guess we knew what was coming,” added Secord.

She said her plans to install an irrigation system have been in the works for a while. In past years her team has had to water the plants by hand during a few dry spells.

“The main reason that we’re putting in an irrigation system is so we can control what water is getting onto our plants,” said Secord.

The irrigation system should be up and running by next week.

Secord said she believes this summer is going to be extremely dry and is thankful she’s putting in this irrigation system to keep her crops alive and healthy.