Drought hits more than just the farms

BRIGHTON, Tenn. - The Drought in the Heartland is growing worse every day, and the stress it’s leaving behind isn’t just on the farm.

In Brighton, Tenn., David McDaniel’s corn crops are dying.

"It's going to be at least a 50-percent loss,” McDaniel said. “Maybe more."

His twin sons are facing the same losses, making a whole family suffering through this year’s historic drought.

But the drought’s impact goes beyond the field.

Lisa McDaniel worries about the mounting stress on her husband and sons.

"I know what David and I have been through but I don't want that on them at all,” Lisa McDaniel said. “Now they're going through it, and now they're starting their families and they're going to see what it's like."

There’s also worry in the small town Chevrolet dealership.

Daniel Allen is the sales manager at Country Chevrolet. He says truck sales are about 50 percent of their business.

"I would say right now the way things are going we are probably looking at a 20 percent decrease in sales,” Allen said.

At the local farm supply, tractor sales are anticipated to drop 30 to 40 percent.

About 10 miles from there, at the Old Town Hall Gift andBoutique Shop, they're taking a hit as well.

Charlene Coburn has been there 14 years. She says sales are flat, and she doesn’t have high hopes for the rest of the summer.

“You don't have to be a farmer in this community or any other community for the drought to affect you,” Coburn says, “because if it affects the farmer, it affects everyone."