Peach crop impacted at Franklin County farm due to spring cold snap, summer weather helps remaining fruit – WSLS

Impact of Spring Cold Snap on Woods Farm Peach Crop in Franklin County, Virginia

Overview

Woods Farm, located in Franklin County, Virginia, experienced a significant reduction in its peach crop due to a spring cold snap, which destroyed approximately half of the harvest. Despite this setback, the peaches that survived are currently thriving under favorable summer conditions.

Financial and Agricultural Impact

1. Crop Loss: The cold snap caused a substantial loss, with half of the peach and nectarine crops falling off the trees by early May.
2. Profitability: The financial impact was acknowledged by the farm owner, who indicated a decrease in profit due to the crop loss.
3. Surviving Crops: Peaches from higher elevation orchards, less affected by the cold, are currently being harvested successfully.

Favorable Summer Conditions Supporting Crop Growth

• Moderate rainfall provided sufficient soil moisture without causing damage.
• Hot and dry weather contributed to the development of sweet, juicy peaches, enhancing fruit quality.
• Timely thunderstorms delivered beneficial rain showers, minimizing financial risk associated with excessive rainfall.

Challenges and Risk Management in Farming

The farm owner highlighted the inherent risks in agriculture, comparing farming unpredictability to gambling, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability.

Future Planning and Crop Diversification

• Introduction of new crops such as sweet potatoes and butternut squash to diversify production.
• Implementation of crop rotation strategies to sustain soil health and productivity.
• Forward-looking approach to anticipate and prepare for future agricultural challenges.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Woods Farm’s efforts to sustain crop production despite adverse weather conditions contribute to local food security by providing fresh fruit and vegetables to the community.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The farm’s crop rotation and diversification practices promote sustainable agricultural production, reducing dependency on a single crop and enhancing resilience against climate variability.

SDG 13: Climate Action

By adapting to climate-related challenges such as cold snaps and variable rainfall, Woods Farm exemplifies proactive climate action in agriculture, aiming to mitigate risks and sustain productivity.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Maintaining healthy orchards and employing sustainable farming techniques supports biodiversity and soil health, contributing to the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems.

Community Engagement

The farm stand at 2921 Naff Rd, Boones Mill, VA, United States, Virginia offers the community access to locally grown, sustainably produced peaches and other crops, fostering local economic development and community well-being.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses the impact of weather on peach crops and other farm produce, highlighting food production and agricultural sustainability.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the effects of climate variability, such as cold snaps and summer heat, on farming, pointing to the need for adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The farmer’s approach to crop rotation and planning for new crops reflects sustainable agricultural practices.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The financial impact on the farm and the farmer’s efforts to sustain livelihood through agriculture relate to economic growth and decent work.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size – implied by discussion of crop yield losses and productivity.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture – implied by crop rotation and sustainable farming practices mentioned.
2. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters – implied by the impact of cold snap and weather events on crops.
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies – implied need for resilience in farming practices.
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP – implied by efficient use of resources like water and crop rotation.
4. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Indicator 8.3.1: Proportion of informal employment in non-agriculture employment – implied by the farmer’s economic challenges and livelihood sustainability.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wsls.com