Farming has always been a labor of love, a delicate dance between the land, the weather, and the human effort that goes into coaxing sustenance from the soil. In Vermont, a state known for its fertile riparian land, this dance has become increasingly fraught with challenges. Two consecutive major flood events in July of 2023 and 2024 have left farmers reeling, especially those with land near rivers, who must contend not only with the immediate aftermath of flooding but also with stringent river regulations that hamper their ability to recover and adapt.
The Impact of Extreme Weather on Vermont Farmers
In Washington County, the looming threat of riverine flooding poses a significant risk to agriculture in the years to come. According to data compiled by Traceone from the USDA and FEMA, the expected annual loss per farm due to riverine flooding is estimated to be $289, with a total combined loss of $137,148. However, if the recent catastrophic floods are any indication, these projections may be overly optimistic.
George Gross of Dog River Farm in Berlin knows firsthand the toll that flooding can take on a farm’s infrastructure. In July of 2023, Gross estimates that he lost $40,000 in infrastructure alone. Similarly, Flint Wiswall of Cate Farm in Plainfield reported losses of $30,000 worth of burdock in 2023. The summer of 2024 saw Wiswall grappling with the aftermath of the floods, as he spent his days clearing debris and up to a foot of sand and silt from his fields. The process of rebuilding the soil with cover crops will take years, a daunting task made even more challenging by the emotional toll of starting over two years in a row.
The Lingering Effects of River Regulations on Farmers
In addition to the immediate impact of flooding, farmers near rivers in Washington County are also contending with regulations that restrict their ability to clean up the aftermath. At Cate Farm in Plainfield, situated near the confluence of two branches of the Winooski River, Wiswall acknowledges the delicate balance between river maintenance and downstream consequences. While dredging may seem like a logical solution, it can inadvertently exacerbate flooding downstream, making it a complex issue for farmers like Wiswall who are navigating limited acreage outside of floodplains.
At Dog River Farm, George Gross highlights the unintended consequences of road maintenance on river health. The sand and gravel deposited in rivers from road maintenance eventually make their way downstream, impacting farmers like Gross who bear the brunt of these environmental shifts. Gross emphasizes the need for state and federal support to address these challenges, warning that without intervention, his farm may eventually become a floodplain.
A Call for Climate Resilience in Vermont Agriculture
Beyond the immediate threats posed by flooding and river regulations, Vermont farmers are also grappling with the broader impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Hadley Gaylord of Gaylord Farm in Waitsfield notes the increasing intensity of water events and the erosion of familiar farming practices in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. Jon Wagner from Bear Roots Farm echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies like crop rotation and cover cropping to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.
Melisa Oliva from Ananda Gardens captures the essence of the shifting climate patterns, noting that the old rules of farming no longer apply in a world where weather extremes have become the norm. As farmers like Gaylord, Wagner, and Oliva adapt to these challenges, they underscore the need for a new generation of farmers to step forward and engage in the essential work of food production.
In Vermont, the future of agriculture hangs in the balance, caught between the forces of nature and the human ingenuity that seeks to tame and adapt to them. As farmers across the state navigate the uncertainties of climate change, river regulations, and extreme weather events, their resilience and determination serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of Vermont agriculture.
