Vermont’s drought hits dairy farms: feed, water, and cash flow under pressure

Many operations are stretching to their breaking points as they grapple with decimated feed crops, depleted water sources, and escalating expenses. Key issues include a drop in milk production by up to 10 pounds per cow per day and fixed milk prices that offer little room to maneuver financially. Some farmers, like George Foster, are purchasing feed for the first time in decades, while others are forced to truck water daily due to dried-up wells. If current weather conditions persist without adequate rainfall, financial stress and livestock welfare concerns could escalate, potentially resulting in more farm closures. This situation underscores the urgent need for viable solutions to protect dairy farmers and their livelihoods.