Chickasha Farmers' Crops Suffering

CHICKASHA, Oklahoma -- The recent rains and late freeze have taken a toll on crops. That could mean a longer wait for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmer's markets.

Vendors at the Chickasha Farmers Market know that more than ever this year. Rush Springs farmer Eddie Rathbun lost several of his money-making crops.

"We are replanting quite a bit of stuff," Rathbun said.

The March freeze ruined his potatoes and the rain drowned his tomatoes. So now, Rathbun and his wife are selling jarred goods. And, they aren't alone.

Growers are selling what they can, flowers and potted plants, while they wait for their re-planted crops to come in.

"It will probably be mid-June before you actually see some of the cooler season crops," Peggy McMahan said.

The farmers market usually has up to a dozen vendors on a given Saturday.

"The market is coming, it's just delayed due to the weather," McMahan said.

But even when the crops do come in the market won't be what is has in years past making it hard for those who depend on the business.

"Some of the older people here, it's their income other than what they get from maybe Social Security or something like that," Rathbun said. "It's really meaningful income for a lot of these people."