Vermont’s Dairy Farmers Face Severe Drought Challenges

An ongoing drought in Vermont is significantly impacting the state’s dairy farmers, forcing them to adopt costly measures to sustain their cattle. As feed crops like grass, alfalfa, and corn struggle to grow, farmers are grappling with diminished returns on their investments and escalating expenses for supplemental feed. Some are even resorting to hauling water to keep their herds hydrated.

The Drought’s Impact

According to Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Vermont’s climatologist and chair of the Vermont Drought Task Force, the state is currently experiencing two types of drought: a long-term drought that began last fall and a flash drought that started in early June. As of mid-September, approximately 78% of Vermont is classified as being in a severe drought, with an additional 2% in an extreme drought, as reported by the U.S. Drought Monitor. This extreme classification is the fourth highest on a five-level scale.

The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has indicated that some regions have received nearly eight inches less rain than usual over the past four months, resulting in soil moisture levels that are 60-80% below average. Dupigny-Giroux noted that the effects of the drought have become increasingly apparent in recent weeks, manifesting as stunted crops, dry soils, and heightened wildfire risks.

Historically, Vermont has faced droughts before, such as the significant one in 2001. However, many farmers are now observing more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns, raising concerns about the future of agriculture in the region. Steve Kayhart, a dairy farmer from West Addison, expressed his worries for the next generation, stating, “It’s not gonna be easier to do what we do for a living. It will only get harder and harder.”

Economic Ramifications

Dairy farming is a cornerstone of Vermont’s economy, generating approximately $5.4 billion annually and accounting for about 58% of the state’s agricultural sales. The industry also produces 63% of New England’s milk, according to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. Despite the growth in the number of dairy processors over the past decade, the current drought poses a significant threat to this vital sector.

Jon Lucas, a dairy farmer in Orwell, has been forced to adapt to the drought’s challenges by hauling water twice daily from a nearby creek to ensure his 340 Holstein cows remain hydrated. Each cow typically consumes around 50 gallons of water daily. Lucas’s wells have run dry, and he lacks access to municipal water, making the situation even more dire. He anticipates spending around $100,000 on additional feed, as his usual crop yields have been severely impacted.

Allan Brisson, who has been farming at Allandra Farm for over 50 years, reported that the dry conditions will lead to a 40% reduction in feed production on his property. This shortfall necessitates purchasing substitutes for his 1,100 cows, as quality feed is essential for maintaining milk production and profitability. Similarly, Melanie Harrison, who operates Harrison’s Homegrown in Addison, has experienced a 50% drop in feed production, which she estimates will result in a 25% decline in profits.

Government Response and Assistance

Despite the challenges faced by farmers, the threshold for government assistance remains a few weeks away. Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, explained that a secretarial disaster declaration typically requires the state to be in a “severe” drought for eight weeks or to reach an “extreme” drought status. Currently, Vermont has been in severe drought for less than a month.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and assessing data to determine if a government response is warranted. Dupigny-Giroux indicated that Vermont has met the criteria for several types of droughts-meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic-but more data is needed to assess whether the state is experiencing an ecological drought, which can have lasting effects on soil conditions and ecology.

To alleviate some immediate concerns, the state’s agricultural agency has launched a water hauling website to connect farmers with businesses that provide water hauling services. This initiative aims to support farmers like Lucas, who are struggling to maintain adequate water supplies for their livestock.

A Shift in Weather Patterns

The current drought marks a stark contrast to the previous summers, which were characterized by flooding. In July 2024, Governor Phil Scott declared a secretarial disaster due to flooding, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Vermont’s climate. Tebbetts remarked, “We’ve flipped the script completely,” emphasizing the rapid shift from one extreme weather condition to another.

As the state grapples with these challenges, officials have called on Vermonters to report drought impacts, including issues with wells or water supplies, changes in water quality, and crop damage. This information will aid scientists in studying the ongoing situation and its implications for the future.

Conclusion

The ongoing drought in Vermont presents significant challenges for the state’s dairy farmers, who are facing unprecedented conditions that threaten their livelihoods. As they adapt to these changes, the need for government assistance and a comprehensive understanding of the evolving climate becomes increasingly critical. Farmers like Jon Lucas emphasize the importance of adaptation, stating, “We can’t pick the weather, but we can choose how to mold our businesses.” The resilience of Vermont’s agricultural community will be tested in the coming months as they navigate these difficult circumstances.