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Agency releases preliminary drought survey: 200 responses, about 79,000 acres impacted and $15.9M estimated losses
Summary
The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets presented a preliminary drought survey showing 200 responses from all 14 counties, roughly 79,000 acres affected and estimated losses exceeding $15.9 million; the report signals feed shortages, water scarcity and potential long‑term impacts for maple and other perennial crops.
Abby Willard, agriculture development director for the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, presented preliminary results of a drought survey the agency ran from Oct. 17 to Dec. 15, saying, “we received 200 responses across the 14 counties.” The agency said respondents reported roughly 79,000 impacted acres and estimated cumulative losses that exceeded $15.9 million.
Why it matters: the preliminary dataset, Willard said, shows broad geographic and sectoral impacts — the greatest number of responses came from Addison, Rutland and Orleans counties — and points to stressors producers expect to carry into the coming year. About 50% of respondents told the agency this was the worst drought they had experienced, and 99 respondents (about half of those who replied) reported needing financial assistance.
Key findings: Willard…
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