Norman Keil heads back to his truck after harvesting peppers on his family's farm in Sylvania Township. Though Keil has lost a portion of his crops this year to drought, as a small-scale farmer with a large diversity of plantings, he's been able to avoid the worst of the drought's effects.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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A creek bed just north of Sylvania in Whiteford Township, Mich. is completely dry. Despite some rain last week, the drought in the midwest continues as temperatures extend into the 90s.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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Mr. Keil holds an eggplant that has been scorched by the sun.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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Mr. Keil harvests sweet corn on his family's property in Sylvania Township. He is the third generation to work the family farm. His son, John, works with him as well on the 80-acre farm.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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Mr. Keil makes his way to his fields while harvesting for a trip to the farmers' market.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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Mr. Keil harvests corn at his family farm in Sylvania Township.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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Recent rain combined with irrigation has helped keep some crops from failing, though it wasn't in time to save this pepper.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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'It's all you can do to survive,' Mr. Keil said. He's doing what he can to minimize the impact of this harsh weather on his family's business.
THE BLADE/KATIE RAUSCH
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