As dry conditions continue to spread across Vermont, one industry that is feeling the heat is the farms.

Farm officials say a stretch of days without rain can really take a toll on dairy and livestock farmers, forcing them to supplement feed.

Days without rain can be a problem for pastures. With pastures too dry for grazing, farmers have to buy and haul in extra feed, an expense officials say they can’t make up for since prices for their products are set by the market.

Lindsey Brand, the communications director at the Northeast Organic Farming Association, said it is affecting certain farmers in particular.

“We're seeing more frequent extreme weather events. It's particularly impacting our livestock farmers and our dairy farmers. We're hearing from our organic dairy farmers in our community and a lot of their conventional dairy farmer friends that they're having to supplement the herd's feed,” Brand said.

She added that extra cost and limited grazing can put even more pressure on farm operations.

“Their pastures are so impacted by the drought. And that can cause a lot of financial stress because needing to buy, and more feed, increases the cost of production for the dairy farmers. But they don't set their prices, they're price takers,” Brand said.

While NOFA's organic farmers take a lot of precautions before a drought happens, they still feel the effects.

“We're definitely approaching that time when the impact is feeling more widespread. Once you are seeing decreased productivity in the pasture, you need to buy and feed to keep your herd fed and healthy," she said.

Officials say they are seeing more frequent droughts and floods so it has been tough to deal with the changing climate.

Source - https://www.mynbc5.com