The river is overflowing its banks, farm ponds are filled to the brim, and ditches and fields are full of standing water. This is the first time since Hurricane Floyd that we have seen this much water.

For some, the frequent showers and wet, muddy conditions are frustrating. They would much rather it not rain so much. But for many, especially our farmers, the abundance of rain we have received this winter is a real blessing. After suffering through two summers of drought and seeing our groundwater tables decline to alarming low levels, it is a relief to know that we are entering the spring season with a reasonable level of groundwater.

Even though we have what appears to be enough water, we have to realize that conditions can change quickly. Within a few short weeks, we could find ourselves again in drought situations.

Look around. The early-flowering trees and shrubs are full of blooms and very soon will be in their full glory. Maple trees in the swamps, forests, and landscapes are turning red, ready to burst into full foliage. Within a few weeks, our lawns will be green and the farmers' fields will be planted with new crops. All of these plants will require a tremendous amount of water, so unless we continue to get our normal amounts of rainfall, the surplus water we see now could soon be gone.

Last summer we became accustomed to seeing newspaper headlines and television news reports about water shortages. We heard that many cities were restricting the use of water, because their reservoirs were drying up. We heard that entire lakes were drying up, and even recreational activities were being restricted. But there were never any restrictions placed on us, so we really didn't worry about it too much.

At this point, we have no way of knowing what the summer may bring. It may be hot and dry again this year, or it may be an unusually wet summer. But in any case, let's only hope that the weather will be more suitable for our farmers as they attempt to grow the crops we need for our food supply.

Speaking of food, it's not too early to start anticipating the fresh fruits and vegetables that will soon be available locally. I have recently been visiting with some of our strawberry growers, and they report that everything is on schedule for a great season. It is hard to imagine, but in less than 30 days from now, you will be able to go into one of the many strawberry patches in the county and pick some of the most delicious strawberries you can imagine.

While in one of our local grocery stores this past weekend, I noticed that they already have fresh strawberries for sale. When I examined the package, I saw they were from California.

If you just want a red strawberry that has a real pretty shape, I guess these berries will do. When a strawberry is produced with the criteria that it can be picked green, travel 3,000 miles, and then sit on a grocery shelf for at least a week before selling, it does not sound too appealing to me. If you can't get anything else, I guess this will do.

If I want to eat a strawberry, I know that I prefer one that is grown to be sold fresh. I prefer a strawberry that is already ripe when it is picked and juicy and sweet enough that it can travel only a few miles from the strawberry patch to my house. I prefer a strawberry that is grown for its flavor instead of its ability to travel long distances.

Many of our strawberry growers, as well as many other farmers in the county, will also have an abundance of fresh vegetables that will be ready for us to enjoy by late April or early May. These vegetables are somewhat like the strawberries. They will be available just a few hours after they are picked from the fields and will be much more delicious than most of the vegetables in the grocery stores that are shipped in from places far and wide.

Although our local farmers markets are the favorite places to buy local fruits and vegetables, many people like to go directly to the farms where the fruits and vegetables are grown. If you want to know where our local vegetable producers are located so you can choose the one closest to your house, please give us a call at 910-671-3276. You can also call us if you need specific fruits or vegetables, and we can tell you which of our farmers are growing what you need.

As the fresh fruit and vegetable season approaches, I encourage you to buy locally. Do business with the people who live and work right here in the county where you live and work. Help support those who help you pay the taxes. Buy your fruits and vegetables from the people who will do business with you and buy your goods and services.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 3/13/03