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<\/a>Vermont\u2019s 2025 drought has pushed farmers to their limits, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting 100% of the state under drought conditions<\/strong> as of September 16, including 78% in severe drought (D2) and 2% in extreme drought (D3)\u2014the worst since 2000. Rainfall through August averages just 18.5 inches statewide, a stark 11-inch deficit compared to the 30-year average of 29.7 inches. The two-week forecast offers little relief, with scattered showers possible over the next 10-14 days\u2014chances of 30-70% on select days, but totals likely under 0.25 inches in many areas, insufficient to ease drought stress significantly. This scarcity of water strains everything, making soil health practices like cover cropping critical yet challenging. The seed will only germinate when sufficient moisture arrives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) acknowledges these tough conditions but maintains its Farm Agronomic Practice (FAP) Program deadlines: broadcast cover crops by October 1, drilled or incorporated by October 10<\/strong>, with earlier planting strongly encouraged. FAP grants require \u201cadequate soil coverage,\u201d and VAAFM stresses that cover crops must grow to be effective. Farmers should only plant if growth is reasonably likely<\/strong>, meaning there\u2019s a realistic chance\u2014based on soil moisture, weather forecasts, and proper seed-to-soil contact\u2014that crops like rye or wheat will germinate and establish before winter. Fields lacking coverage may be denied funding, but VAAFM will evaluate growth statewide, considering this year\u2019s low soil moisture, and may re-inspect fields later to allow establishment before final decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cover crops like rye or wheat remain vital, enhancing soil structure and boosting water retention by 20-30%. Good seed-to-soil contact is key for germination, especially in dry soils, with wheat and rye needing 0.5\u20131 inch of topsoil water to sprout. UVM Extension trials in 2023 showed cover-cropped fields retained 15-25% more moisture, critical for drought resilience. Cover crops also add organic matter, curb erosion, and prevent nutrient loss, aiding soil recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vermont farmers are resilient, and VAAFM\u2019s FAP support\u2014$45\/acre for drilled\/incorporated cover crops\u2014can help. Ensure timely planting with careful attention to soil moisture to meet FAP standards. How are you navigating cover cropping this fall?\u00a0Share your strategies or questions with us in the comments. Please contact Heather Darby at\u00a0heather.darby@uvm.edu<\/a>\u00a0or Jeff Sanders at\u00a0jeffrey.sanders@uvm.edu<\/a> if you have questions or concerns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Written by Jeff Sanders Vermont\u2019s 2025 drought has pushed farmers to their limits, with the U.S. Drought Monitor reporting 100% of the state under drought conditions as of September 16, including 78% in severe drought (D2) and 2% in extreme drought (D3)\u2014the worst since 2000. Rainfall through August averages just 18.5 inches statewide, a stark 11-inch deficit … <\/p>\n