Farmers trying to protect crops from heat

With temperatures reaching triple digits some Alabama farmers are struggling to keep their crops alive. Tammy Henke grows Irish and sweet potatoes on her farm in Good Hope.

"We have stopped digging our Irish potatoes because it's too dry," said Henkem, "We can't get in the ground. They're just kinda sitting there. Sweet potatoes we're trying to plant but they're not doing well because it is dry."

The heat is also affecting the Hazelrig's Orchards in Cleveland, AL. Peyton Hazelrig, 14, helps his dad grow fruits and vegetables. He says the heat has sped up the peach crop this year.

"Usually right now we won't have bounties til mid-July and we've had them since late June and it's sped them up about 2-3 weeks early," said Hazelrig, "It's kinda bad because usually we have peaches until September and this year we'll be very fortunate to make it through August."

Some vendors at the farmer's market say the heat doesn't just affect the crop, it also causes the prices to go up.

Some vendors here at the farmer's market say not only does the heat affect the crops, it also causes the prices to go up.

"The heat makes the price go up because we have drought in certain areas then we have to depend on one area for the peanuts and so they drive up the cost so they won't run out for the peanut season," said Felecia Jackson, marketing director for the Peanut Depot in downtown Birmingham.

If farmers run out of their crop this season it could mean less cash in their pocket.

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