WOODSTOCK, Vt. (WCAX) – It’s estimated the region’s farming industry took a $70 million blow due to last year’s flooding and the constant rain that followed. As many farms across the region are still dealing with the impacts they are also preparing for when future adverse weather hits.
The hay fields at the Billings Farm and Museum in Woodstock were underwater last July after the Ottauquechee River jumped its banks. Silt and debris left behind made about 30 acres of land unusable. Today, newly planted grass is growing which will eventually feed the milking cows in the barn.
“I think this year we will just be focused on the establishment of the grass. We might get a late cut,” said Phil Ranney, the farm’s manager.
Billings received some federal support that helped ease the financial loss on feed. The state doled out an additional $3.6 million to farms across the region that were hit hard by waterlogged crops.
Ranney has two main takeaways from last year’s flooding. “To make sure year round we don’t have any hay or equipment in a flood zone — first. Second, to plan for future flooding,” he said.
“You know, we are fearful that this may happen again,” said Vermont Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts, who has spearheaded a Flood Recovery Task Force to plan for the future. Recommendations include creating a rainy-day emergency fund, identifying more Vermont-friendly crop insurance, and focusing on the mental health of farmers, many who are still dealing with the flood’s impact. “Poor quality feed, damage to fields, the economic loss that happened last year.”
The Doton Farm in Barnard lost its sweet corn crop and about 20 acres of hay fields from flooding. “There is some of it that the regrowth is not coming because were weren’t able to get all the silt and sand off, and the seeds that we put into that just didn’t react well,” said the farm’s Paul Doton. But the lifelong farmer says brighter days are ahead. “Farmers are optimistic. Dairy farmers especially are always looking forward to positive things, saying it will be better next year or next week.”
Those connected to the industry say Vermont would not be Vermont without these working farms. While agri-tourism is a growing industry, when one farm takes a financial hit — or even forced to sell — the entire economy suffers.