SPRINGFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – The super dry conditions we are experiencing across the region is something cattle farmers are closely monitoring.
Farmers say that overgrazing cows in one spot in the pasture is the the biggest concern.
They say doing so could strip the soil of valuable nutrients.
Of course, moving the cows more often likely means more work for herd managers.
“Rotational grazing, which is very big in this state, is really important in times of drought. You have got to be able to put your animals on a small amount of feed and them move them quickly as they graze it so not to overgraze it,” Sheila Patinkin, Vermont Wagyu said.
Farmers say ample rain earlier in the year contributed to a good haying season, but they say that feed is starting to run out.
And, they say, the grass definitely is not growing as fast.
Farmers say trucking feed from out of state can be very expensive — especially if it’s coming from north of the border.
