Rain brings relief to local farmers after one of the driest Januaries

Steady rain fell across the Triad after January ranked among the driest on record, and farmers said the moisture helps replenish subsoil while livestock care had been strained by the drought.

Steady rain moved across the Triad on Sunday after January ranked among the driest on record in the region. Farmers working along the Guilford and Alamance county line welcomed the moisture. Despite recent precipitation, both counties remain fully in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Local growers said spring planting and livestock care have been affected by the dry start to the year. Key points: - Rain fell across the Triad on Sunday after a notably dry January, with about two inches less precipitation than normal in the region. - Guilford and Alamance counties remain fully in drought, and more than 9.4 million North Carolinians live in areas classified as drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. - Farmers said deep soil moisture matters most; surface wetting helps, but replenishing the subsoil is needed for spring planting. - Livestock care was strained during the dry spell: animals required extra water and more supplemental hay when pasture growth slowed, and freezing temperatures complicated keeping fresh water available. Summary: The recent rain brought welcome moisture and improved conditions on the surface, and farmers reported that deeper soil recharge will be important for upcoming planting. However, drought designations remain in place in the counties, and farmers said consistent precipitation in the coming weeks is needed to rebuild subsoil and support spring fieldwork.