In a heartbreaking tale of natural disaster and devastation, torrential floods wreaked havoc on farmers and their crops across the Northeast region of Vermont, farmers were left to grapple with the loss of months of labor and valuable crops.
One of the farmers who is the co-owner of Diggers' Mirth Collective Farm in Vermont, saw their hopes washed away when floodwaters inundated their small farms, destroying a harvest worth an estimated $250,000. With the region's growing season curtailed, many plants were too early to harvest, and now, it's too late to replant.
The Intervale Center, home to seven commercial organic farms near the Winooski River in Vermont, was hit hard by the floods. Despite their best efforts to harvest as much as possible before the storms, all seven farms suffered extensive damage, resulting in losses surpassing those seen during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.
The flooding also dealt a severe blow to Maple Wind Farm in Richmond, Vermont, where pasture-raised animals were impacted. Hundreds of turkeys and chickens were lost as the Winooski River crested higher than ever imagined.
In Massachusetts, at least 75 farms reported damage, with crop losses estimated at a minimum value of $15 million. In Connecticut, approximately 2,000 acres of farmland were impacted, adding to the larger environmental crisis unfolding.
As the floodwaters recede, farmers face tough choices, with dairy farmers forced to dump milk due to impassable roads. The loss of corn, a vital food source for the dairy industry, further exacerbates the challenges. Flower farms, blueberry bushes, and community-supported agriculture all faced significant damage, leaving farmers and communities devastated.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-kotenko-a
Categories: Pennsylvania, Weather