Kersbergen cited in Kennebec Journal article on central Maine apple crop
Richard Kersbergen, a University of Maine Cooperative Extension professor of sustainable dairy and forage systems, was quoted in the Kennebec Journal article, “Central Maine apple farmers not seeing much impact from the drought.” Three apple farmers in central Maine said their apple trees are old enough that their established deep roots get plenty moisture without relying on rainfall. The state’s hay crop, however, has been severely affected by the drought, according to the article. Because of good weather, the first hay crop was great, Kersbergen said. “But in certain parts of the state, the second and third crop of hay is either substantially reduced or nonexistent,” he told the KJ in late August. “This is one of the drier years I’ve ever seen.”