by Emma Beavon, reporter

Farmers across the country have had to deal with the unseasonably hot summer months earlier this year.  

As the harvest months draw to a close, crop growers have been disappointed with their yield. 

As rainfall over the summer was at a low many crop did not receive the amount of water they need to thrive and therefore they failed.  

Farmer Charles Eckley from Maidstone said “I planted four different types of maize which were all meant to be for human consumption, none of it worked. So, six weeks of no rain and it killed the whole lot off.” 

But it was not all bad news. Charles also observed that his pumpkins had done exceptionally well considering the rise in temperatures and the late rainfall. “The pumpkins themselves have actually done quite well. When they went in there was a lot of rain afterwards and they have a great root system.” 

Charles however did say that because of the late rainfall the pumpkins may be smaller. 

Fruit farmers were among the group who were thankful for the change in weather conditions as this year has been named the best year for fruit in over a century.  

The change in weather allowed for the fruit to have higher concentrations of sugar therefore giving the fruit a much better taste.