CHARLESTON -- Christmas tree farmer Bob Whipkey lost 100 trees to this summer's drought. To make matters worse, the drought killed all 2,000 seedlings he planted this year.

"It slowed growth on my existing trees that will cause me to have less trees next year for market," said Whipkey.

He said the drought's impact on Christmas trees will be felt about six years down the road when trees are ready for harvest. He said growers are expecting to plant larger seedlings next year in order to make up for losses from the drought this year.

"Quite frustrating. Of course you are dealing with Mother Nature. I'm accustomed to that being a tree farmer," said Whipkey.

Agriculture leaders say we're not out of the woods yet regarding this summer's drought. Besides Christmas trees growers, other areas of farming are still feeling the impact.

"Corn was a virtual loss this year. The pasture gone, there's no hay to feed their cattle through the winter. We had pumpkins this year but they were smaller," said Buddy Davidson, communications officer for the State Department of Agriculture.

Davidson said some areas of the state are still running a 12 inch rainfall deficit. He adds that some good snowfalls this winter would put farmers on the road to recovery, including Christmas tree growers.

Because of the drought, Whipkey said he may close his Christmas tree farm a couple of weeks before Christmas so he will still have trees to sell next year.