For farmers in the Northeast, at least, this growing season was a very hard one. Incessant rains and cold weather led to late blight, and it was hard for anything to ripen without the warmth of the sun. We did have a late rally with some warmer weather and sunshine, but it wasn't in time for many small farmers, who experienced serious crop losses. This New York Times article reports that much of New York, Connecticut and New Jersey farmland has been or is being declared agricultural disaster areas this year.
Tomato and potato crops were devastated by late blight, with massive crop losses for many farms. The first cut of hay was ruined for many farmers, which spills over into the cost of keeping animals in hay over this coming winter, putting additional stresses on dairy farmers and other livestock farmers (right down to the hobby farmer feeding his one horse).
How have you been affected by this growing season? Please share in our Small Farm Forums.
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