By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
An unusually dry September has worsened drought conditions across Alabama, raising concerns about crop losses, soil health, and increased wildfire risks. The Alabama Drought Assessment and Planning Team (ADAPT) reported Tuesday that much of the state continues to face “abnormally dry to extreme drought” conditions.
Drought Expands Across West Alabama
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) issued a new Alabama Drought Declaration, upgrading 14 west Alabama counties—including Bibb, Choctaw, Clarke, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Sumter, Tuscaloosa, Washington, and Wilcox—from drought watches to drought warnings. Extreme drought conditions were recorded for the first time in 2025 in portions of Hale, Greene, and Marengo Counties.
ADECA Senior Environmental Engineering Specialist Michael Harper said many regions saw little to no rain for 34 to 65 days. “There are still very dry pockets throughout the state,” Harper said. “Some rainfall fell, but not enough to make a difference.”
Farmers Face Crop Losses and Hard Soil
Farmers are reporting significant challenges. “It’s dry. It’s real dry in west Alabama,” said ADAI Assistant Commissioner Bob Plaster, noting that row crop farmers suffered damage weeks ago. Alabama Cattlemen’s Association Vice President Erin Beasley added that hard, compacted soil is preventing the planting of winter grasses, while hay production was sharply reduced.
At a Dallas County farm, Carla Hornady of the Alabama Farmers Federation said poor soil conditions have led to lower yields and damaged equipment. “They’re having to change out blades when digging peanuts every 10 acres because of how hard the ground is,” she said.
Fire Risk Rising Across the State
The Alabama Forestry Commission warned of increased wildfire potential, with 146 fires burning 1,483 acres in September alone. Assistant Protection Division Director Balsie Butler said the threat will likely continue through mid-October.
“Until the state receives sufficient rainfall, this elevated fire danger will persist,” Butler cautioned.
The ADAPT team will reassess drought conditions at its next meeting on October 29.
Dry fields in west Alabama reflect worsening drought conditions that have damaged crops, hardened soil, and slowed hay production across the region.