County farms report $1.4m in losses from drought

Farmers around Addison County have reported an estimated $1.4 million in losses resulting from the severe drought that spread across the region this year. 

Some Addison County farmers are growing sorghum sudangrass, an annual grass crop that can withstand drought and can provide a resilient option for farmers’ forage systems.

Local farmers met with U.S. Sen. Peter Welch in Orwell this past Friday to discuss how the drought has affected their operations.

Vermont’s ongoing draught has created challenges for this year’s corn harvest.

95% of Addison County is in severe drought.

The Vermont Department of Forests ordered town forest fire wardens to stop issuing burning permits. Green Mountain National Forest also issued fire restrictions.

The Fort Ti Ferry, which runs between Shoreham, Vt. and Ticonderoga, N.Y., will no longer run this season due to low water levels on Lake Champlain.

This year’s drought has impacted local apple orchards, but there’s still plenty of fruit to pick from.

Another dry spell… Learn how the drought is affecting Vermont’s trees and shrubs.

Addison County residents and farmers are dealing with high temperatures, dry ground, and increased fire risk.

After a long spell without any substantial rain, people in Middlebury and Bristol are being asked to conserve water.

ADDISON COUNTY — For local farmers who have suffered losses because of drought conditions this year, help may be on the way from the federal government. Last month, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated 10 Vermont counties, including Addison, … (read more)

ADDISON COUNTY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency wants to hear from local farmers who have suffered crop losses because of this spring and summer’s dry weather. “Despite recent rains, drought has impacted many farms across Vermont … (read more)