Vermont's Dairy Farmers Struggle Amid Severe Drought Conditions

Vermont is currently grappling with severe drought conditions that are significantly affecting its dairy farmers. As of mid-September 2023, 78% of the state is classified as experiencing severe drought, with an additional 2% in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This situation has forced farmers to adapt through costly measures, including purchasing supplemental feed and hauling water for their cattle. Allan Brisson, a dairy farmer at Allandra Farm, noted that the drought has drastically reduced crop yields, leading to financial losses. "All of a sudden you go from possibly making some money to absolutely not making any money," he stated.

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The drought has severely impacted the availability of feed crops such as grass, alfalfa, and corn, which are essential for dairy cattle. Jon Lucas, a farmer in Orwell, reported that he has had to haul water twice daily to keep his 340 Holstein cows hydrated, as his wells have run dry. He anticipates spending $100,000 on additional feed due to the poor crop yields. Similarly, Melanie Harrison, who operates a dairy farm in Addison, expects a 25% drop in profits due to a 50% reduction in feed production.

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Despite the dire circumstances, government assistance has not yet been activated. Anson Tebbetts, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, indicated that a secretarial disaster declaration typically requires eight weeks of severe drought conditions. As of now, the state is still assessing the situation and monitoring data to determine the need for a government response. Lesley-Ann Dupigny-Giroux, Vermont's climatologist, emphasized that more than 10 inches of rain would be necessary to alleviate the hydrological drought.

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The ongoing drought not only threatens the immediate livelihoods of dairy farmers but also raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of Vermont's agricultural sector, which generates $5.4 billion annually and accounts for 63% of New England's milk production. Farmers are increasingly worried about the unpredictability of weather patterns, with Steve Kayhart expressing concerns for future generations in the dairy industry. "It's not gonna be easier to do what we do for a living," he remarked.

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Farmers are calling for more proactive measures from government agencies to address the challenges posed by the drought. Many are adapting their operations by increasing the nutritional content of their cattle's feed and exploring alternative water sources. The Vermont agricultural agency has initiated a water hauling website to assist farmers in need. Lucas highlighted the importance of adaptation, stating, "we can't pick the weather, but we can choose how to mold our businesses."

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• “All of a sudden you go from possibly making some money to absolutely not making any money,” — Allan Brisson, Dairy Farmer

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• “The first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I think about before I go to bed is making sure that the cows have enough water,” — Jon Lucas, Dairy Farmer

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• “It's not gonna be easier to do what we do for a living,” — Steve Kayhart, Dairy Farmer

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• “we can't pick the weather, but we can choose how to mold our businesses.” — Jon Lucas, Dairy Farmer

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The situation remains fluid, and farmers are hopeful for rain that could mitigate the drought's impact, but the outlook for the immediate future remains uncertain.

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