WILLIAMSON COUNTY,
Tenn.- Will this week's predicted
rain-fall be enough to pull Middle Tennessee out of a drought that could cost
farmers millions?
Charles Hatcher comes from
a long line of dairy farmers, but hardly anyone on the family farm can remember
a summer this cruel. The Hatchers make their money from their cattle, but the heat-sensitive
mammals do their best work in the winter.
"The last time I seen
it this dry was 2007, but not this early," said Hatcher.
Though it rained Sunday
afternoon, the Hatchers say not even a gully-washer could reverse the effects
of this summer's drought.
"So, any little bit
of rain we can get is gonna be helpful at this point. It won't save what's
already been damaged!" said Hatcher.
Meanwhile, adjustments are
being made to combat the heat. Milking times are a full hour earlier than
normal, and a misting station has been implemented to keep the cows comfortable.
