Welch urges USDA to approve drought disaster aid for Vermont farmers
Vermont’s agricultural community is facing one of its toughest seasons in years as a severe drought sweeps across the state. U.S. Senator Peter Welch, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue a Secretarial Disaster Designation for all of Vermont.
The request follows growing reports of widespread crop damage affecting farmers across the state. The declaration would enable producers to access crucial federal programs and financial aid designed to help them recover from disaster losses. The appeal was supported by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Becca Balint, who joined Welch in calling for swift action.
“Vermont’s dairy farmers rely heavily on high-quality corn and hay silage to maintain production during the long winter months,” the lawmakers stated. “This year’s drought has cut yields and reduced crop quality significantly, with some farmers seeing over 40% yield reductions in corn and poor-quality hay harvests.”
Beyond the dairy sector, fruit, vegetable, grape, and grain growers have also reported record-low yields. Many orchards, normally bustling during foliage season, are facing their smallest harvests in memory. Several farms have been forced to haul water for over 12 weeks due to the persistent dry conditions.
Nearly 94% of Vermont is currently experiencing severe drought, with 24% of the state categorized under D3 (Extreme Drought) and 70% under D2 (Severe Drought), according to national drought monitors.
The lawmakers emphasized that these challenges will have lasting effects on Vermont’s rural economy and urged the USDA to act promptly to ensure every county is included in the disaster declaration.
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