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Vermont farmers battle flood conditions


May 11, 2011  by Vermont Agency of Agriculture

muddyfieldNEWS HIGHLIGHT

Vermont farmers battle flood conditions
Many Vermont farmers continue to feel the effects of the flooding
experienced in April that has left rivers, lakes and streams above flood
levels.

May 11, 2011, Montpelier,
VT – Many Vermont farmers continue to feel the effects of the flooding
experienced in April that has left rivers, lakes and streams above flood
levels.

The heavy rains in April,
accompanied by runoff from above average snowfall, farmers are facing
waterlogged fields that are too wet for planting, debris, and other damages.
Producers are reporting that they are now at least three weeks behind schedule
for planting spring crops.

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Another challenge the wet
weather has caused is the inability of farmers to spread manure on their
fields. This deprives the soil of key nutrients necessary to maximize growth
and health of crops that are planted.

“Manure provides valuable
nutrients for crop use and is the first step in the spring planting process.
Manure needs to be spread and incorporated prior to the crops being planted,”
commented Jim Leland, Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Farmers with excessive
flood damage can request assistance by contacting their county USDA Service
Center staff with the Farm Service Agency
and the Natural Resources
Conservation Service
.

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