Vermont Farmers Seek Boring Summer After Drought Woes

Recovering from last year's severe drought, Vermont farmers hope for predictable weather and a successful growing season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:23pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished farm tools and equipment arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the challenges and investments Vermont farmers have had to make in response to the 2025 drought.A collection of premium farm tools and equipment symbolizes the investments Vermont farmers have had to make to recover from the devastating impacts of the 2025 drought.Burlington Today

Vermont farmers are on edge as they start a new season, still recovering from the severe drought that impacted the region last summer. Despite a snowy winter and rainy spring, some areas are still experiencing drought conditions, leaving farmers concerned about lower crop yields, more weeds and pests, and additional expenses. Many are hoping for a 'boring' and uneventful summer with consistent rainfall and warm temperatures to help their fields and farms get back on their feet after the financial and emotional toll of 2025.

Why it matters

The 2025 drought had a widespread impact on Vermont's agricultural community, forcing farmers to make costly investments in water resources and infrastructure while also losing valuable feed and revenue. A successful growing season in 2026 is crucial for these farmers to recover and regain financial stability.

The details

Danville rancher Vince Foy says he's never seen anything like the 2025 drought, which started off strong with lots of rain but then took a turn for the worse in June. Foy's first cut of hay was the largest he ever had, but the rest of the season fell apart. Many other farmers experienced similar challenges, having to buy more feed, transport water, drill wells, and make other investments focused on water resources.

  • The 2025 growing season started off strong with lots of rain.
  • In June 2025, the drought conditions worsened, impacting crop yields and farm operations.
  • The 2026 growing season is now underway, with farmers hoping for a 'boring' and predictable summer.

The players

Vince Foy

A rancher from Danville, Vermont who has been running his farm since 1985.

Deb Foy

Vince Foy's wife, who runs the Danville farm with him.

Abbey Willard

An official with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture who says many farmers are still feeling the financial and emotional impact of last year's drought.

Heather Darby

A UVM Extension agronomist who recommends Vermont farmers need an inch of rain per week, along with warmer temperatures and sunshine, to help their fields and farms recover.

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What they’re saying

“People could really use a very boring, uneventful, totally normal summer.”

— Heather Darby, UVM Extension agronomist

“When they lost feed and revenue, they had to buy more feed, transport water, drill wells or make other infrastructure investments focused primarily on water resources.”

— Abbey Willard, Vermont Agency of Agriculture

What’s next

Farmers in Vermont will be closely monitoring weather patterns and soil moisture levels in the coming months, hoping for consistent rainfall and warm temperatures to aid in their recovery from the 2025 drought.

The takeaway

The severe drought of 2025 had a devastating impact on Vermont's agricultural community, forcing farmers to make costly investments in water resources and infrastructure while also losing valuable feed and revenue. A successful 2026 growing season is crucial for these farmers to regain financial stability and emotional well-being, underscoring the importance of predictable and favorable weather conditions for the state's agricultural sector.