Farmer: Illinois drought good for peach crop

Dry conditions in Illinois have meant headaches for many farmers in the state, but not those growing peaches.  

Rendleman Orchards peach farm is located about 15 miles south of Carbondale, and owner Wayne Sirles tells The Southern Illinoisan the lack of rain brings out the fruit’s natural sweetness. Sirles says rain dilutes a peach’s natural sugars, and this year, he says they seem to be extra sweet and even tastier than usual. The U.S. Drought Monitor has most of Illinois in drought conditions, with the far south of the state rated in an extreme drought.