By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-999638.mp3
Montpelier, VT – According to a report by the University of Vermont Extension, using figures from the USDA Farm Service Agency's Vermont Office, over 72-hundred acres of hay and more than 6-thousand acres of the 92,000 acres of corn was damaged by hurricane Irene in the Green Mountain State. The damage to feed and forage crops was concentrated in certain areas, hitting some farmers hard, and of minimal concern in other areas. Agriculture Policy Advisor to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Dairy Farmer Jenny Nelson says impacted areas include Addison and Rutland counties, and along the Connecticut and White Rivers and Otter Creek.
Agrimark Economist Bob Wellington says the problem is not confined to Vermont.
Jenny Nelson notes that feed and forage is the top cost on a farm.
Bob Wellington says farmers struggling to find feed for their livestock are faced with high, additional costs that they would not normally incur.
Feed prices have risen nationwide amid a hay shortage caused by drought in the Southwest.