New England farms suffering from Extreme Drought

by Jeff Ishee, On the Farm Radio

The most recent report from the U.S. Drought Monitor (October 23) indicates that a large area of New England is now officially experiencing Extreme Drought Conditions. This includes the states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

As of October 21, categorical designations included:

New Hampshire - 53% in extreme drought; 29% in severe drought

Vermont - 59% in extreme drought; 29% in severe drought

Maine - 36% in extreme drought; 57% in severe drought

Crop condition reports from the USDA have been suspended due to the government shutdown, but On the Farm Radio suspects that pasture conditions are mostly poor or very poor in late October.