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Posted August, 1999 Assistance Available for Farmer Hit Hard by Drought University of Maine Cooperative Extension and other state and federal organizations have formed a task force to assist livestock farmers most severely affected by the summer drought. In parts of Maine, the hay crop has been significantly reduced, and dry conditions have caused pastures to dry up and forced producers to begin feeding forages normally reserved for winter. The task force met early this week to discuss plans for assisting producers in locating and transporting hay and other forages. Extension has an existing database of forage for sale throughout the state and maintains this “Hay Directory” on a web site (www.umaine.edu/livestock/hay.htm). Other participating organizations include the National Guard, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Bureau and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Producers who have feed to sell can contact the Waldo County Extension Office at 1-800-287-1426 (in Maine) or (207) 342-5971. Producers who need to purchase feed can access the web site or call any county Extension office to receive a hard copy of the directory. MOFGA has recognized the emergency situation for their organic producers and will arrange for special affidavits for hay that meets certain criteria to be fed to organic certified animals (call 622-3118 for specific details). The National Guard has offered assistance as requested by Governor King to critical need farms by providing transportation of feed on a case by case basis. Farmers who are seeking this assistance can call Rick Kersbergen at 1-800-287-1426. Extension, FSA and NRCS will evaluate the severity of each case before requesting National Guard support. The Emergency Task Force will continue to monitor the situation to help producers as best they can with impacts from the extremely dry weather. Return UMaine Today Research home |
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