LEARY, Ga. (WALB) -A worsening drought is taking a toll on peanut farms across South Georgia as planting season gets underway.

Wesley Webb, a farmer at McLendon Barn, just entered his 31st year of farming. He said the last time a drought was this bad was 2011.

“Statistics say that we are in worse shape now than we were at this time period in 2011,” Webb said.

Soil conditions worsen

In a typical year, peanuts are planted about two inches deep. Right now, the soil is so dry that the moisture isn’t showing up until nearly four inches down. The dirt is so dry that plows can’t even break the ground. That means more irrigation, higher costs, and a bigger hit to his bottom line by the end of the season.

“Your bottom line in any business is what you strive for. I need the best that I can do. I want to be as efficient as I can be so that my bottom line is the best it can be,” Webb said.

More than one family at stake

Webb says that the bottom line is everything, as it supports him and his workers’ livelihoods.

“Now, it’s not just me. It’s not just my brother. There are five men that work full-time on this farm, which means, besides myself and my brother, there are five other families that are depending on us. This is a group effort.”

Farmers lean on each other

Webb said he’s in constant contact with other farmers across South Georgia. In a way, they’ve leaned on each other through this, sharing ideas and comparing notes as conditions get tougher. Webb said he’s confident he has enough water to get his crop through, but the cost of running that irrigation is still a major concern.

“Support your local farmer. That’s about all I can say. Prayers are always helpful. The Lord hears all prayers. Sometimes the answer is no. I have learned that. But the Lord hears all prayers, and that helps,” Webb said.

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