HARTSELLE, Ala. ( WHNT ) — Hidden Rivers Farm in Hartselle is officially open for the Fall season, but it looks a little different this year.
The farm’s sugarcane maze is usually a popular, themed attraction that draws crowds from across North Alabama. Now, it’s struggling to grow due to current drought conditions in the area.
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“I don’t think I’ve seen a drought this extensive in goodness over six years,” said co-owner Mary-Sidney Ritch.
While rain from Hurricane Francine helped the crops, Ritch said it wasn’t enough.
“It’s like watering your lawn or your garden,” she told News 19. “One rain, one good solid rain is great to get you started, but it does need to get rain more than one time.”
Even the pumpkins are having trouble. This year, Hidden Rivers had to borrow from nearby farms. Ritch said less rain means higher costs.
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“It provides an extra struggle, because most small farmers can’t afford to put in an irrigation system and then an additional $250,000, when next year, we may have a very wet season,” Ritch said.