Rainfall won't alleviate drought

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Despite the much anticipated rainfall, we're not out of the woods when it comes to the drought.

In fact, we're far from it.

Because the ground is so dry, Tuesday's rainfall will likely just seep in and not cause much run off or flooding, if any at all.

Instead, it's expected to be a beneficial rainfall, especially for those who make their living off the land.

"Like most farmers, I'm an eternal optimist," said Skip Connett.

With good chances for rain Tuesday, Connett decided to take a chance himself and planted seeds at his Greengate Farms in Bastrop Monday afternoon.

"I'm confident if we get an inch or more it will get deep into the soil enough that I can get my crops up and hopefully, get through winter," said Connett.

Just before the last time we saw any significant rainfall, which was about six weeks ago, Connett planted about five acres of peas, oats and rye.  But when looking at his dry field, you can see hardly any of it came up.

"I'm going to try again, it's a hit or miss.  I have the seed, so I might as well use it," said Connett.

Connett and many other farmers must play the game of chances.

After a difficult summer of drought, fires and now two early fall freezes--life off the land is harder than even the most experienced farmers have faced.

"This is just the worst year of farming I could ever imagine," said Connett.

According to meteorologists Central Texas is 26 inches below normal for rainfall since the drought started about a year ago. It would take a series of storms that bring several inches at a time to gradually soak the ground and provide run off.
    
So Tuesday's couple inches of rain won't likely make a dent in drought conditions, if it impacts them at all.
   
"This will be very beneficial for our top soil for our trees for our vegetation, but as far as doing a whole lot of good for the hydro side for the lakes, for the aquifers, it's going to take a lot more than this to make a significant change in the way things are right now," said LCRA Chief Meteorologist Bob Rose.
 
But farmers like Connett remain hopeful more rain comes in the weeks and months ahead.
 
They are cautiously optimistic even when faced with the financial bottom line and the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

"We have quite a few friends who have given up, and if we go through another year like this year, I don't know, it's so--the odds are stacked up so much against you," said Connett.

Connett says because the drought has been so hard on local farmers he urges consumers to buy local meat and vegetables.

He says with so many struggling farmers there has never been a more important time to support local food.