Trickey, Dwyer quoted in BDN article on impact of dry spell on crops
The Bangor Daily News quoted Linda Trickey, a livestock specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and Jim Dwyer, a crops specialist with the Cooperative Extension, in an article on the impact of this season’s dry spell on crops. The northern part of Aroostook County is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. Temperatures have been above normal for July, and the total rainfall for the month so far is under 1.5 inches, compared to the average of 3.08 inches, the article states. Heavier snow earlier in the year, followed by the dry spell, is a bad combination that spelled disaster for strawberries and other crops. “Things are not growing. It’s affected a lot of crops,” said Trickey. “The farmers I’ve talked to have told me they are getting half the hay they generally get. That’s going to have an impact.” As for potatoes, Dwyer said the next month is critical to their growth, which requires good growing conditions including a sufficient supply of water. The rains that have come have been mostly brief downpours that are not enough to saturate the soil, according to the BDN. But Dwyer is optimistic. “Last year, we were dry, too, but got yields better than anticipated and high quality. We are hoping we will get some [rain] and a good crop to harvest,” Dwyer said. Some farmers plan to try again next season, while others are hoping for a turnaround. For those still holding out, conservation of water is key.