Kersbergen speaks with BDN about drought-challenged hay farmers
Richard Kersbergen, a sustainable dairy and forage systems expert with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for the article, “Drought-challenged farmers see worry, not greens, in their fields this summer.” Kersbergen said not all hay farmers in the state are having a tough time. “We’re seeing a lot of variation,” he said. “Certain regions this year have gotten adequate rainfall, while some areas haven’t.” For the areas affected by the drought, the difficult conditions in their fields could have long-term consequences, according to the article. “It’s a struggle,” Kersbergen said, adding that dairy farms have an influence on the rest of the state’s agriculture scene. “I think most people in agriculture look at dairy farming as a linchpin. Dairy farmers spend a lot of money. Their support of the agricultural industry in the state is critical.”