COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. -
Middle Tennesseans could soon be paying more for basic food staples such as milk and other dairy products.
At Hatcher Family Dairy in Williamson County, they're feeling the pinch.
"This is the worst drought in 60 years," Charles Hatcher told Nashville's News 2 Thursday. "When you get the heat and the drought it makes things miserable for the livestock."
Hatcher says he tries his best to keep his cows cool and comfortable but when it's hot outside cows drink more water and eat less food and therefore they produce less milk.
"The heat decreases the milk production, down 25% to 30%," Hatcher explained.
Sky-high feed prices are also making it more difficult to feed them.
Economists predict cheese and milk prices will rise first, and corn and meat won't be far behind.
Like everyone else, Hatcher is hoping for rain and cooler temperatures.
Hatcher bottles and sells his own product.
He says his prices are going up 10 to 15 cents on August 1 and retailers will mark it up from there.
Hatcher's products are sold in 40 stores with Whole Foods being the largest.
Read more at HatcherFamilyDairy.com.
