Connecticut farmers

A very cold snap of weather in February is taking its toll on peaches across Connecticut. “Those blossoms, those buds froze on us in February,” said Woody Scott with Scott’s Orchard and Nursery in Glastonbury. Woody Scott said his farm lost their entire peach crop during that February freeze. Peaches bud the previous year, and temperatures below a certain...

Gov. Ned Lamont Monday submitted a request for a federal disaster declaration to help Connecticut farms hit hard by flooding this month.

Connecticut farmers have lost thousands of acres of crops in flood waters this month and that may mean high prices for local produce for customers.

Connecticut farmers continue to grapple with crop losses due to flooding in the Connecticut River and heavy rainfall. “This year, 2023 for crop season is over,” said Lisa Gilbert with Gilbert Farm in Rocky Hill. Fields she grows in haven’t been accessible in over 10 days due to the swollen Connecticut River. They have some crops they can rely on…

After a brief cold snap earlier this month that led to extensive crop damage, Governor Lamont is requesting an agriculture disaster declaration from the federal government. If approved, the declaration could help farmers qualify for emergency assistance. Meteorological Summer begins June 1, but it was only a few weeks ago that it felt like winter in Connecticut. On May 18, overnight…

Gov. Ned Lamont has asked the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture to declare a disaster related to a hard freeze May 18 that caused significant damage to crops on farms across Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is launching a new website to provide mental health resources to the state’s farming community. The new website features a variety of mental health resources for those working in the agricultural industry, including a free and confidential crisis and support line that’s staffed by agricultural specialists. Anyone can call or text the AgriStress Helpline...

Farmers from across Connecticut shared their top priorities and concerns with Senator Chris Murphy Friday.

Farmers from across Connecticut shared their top priorities and concerns with Senator Chris Murphy Friday. Murphy hosted the listening session to hear from farmers as Congress begins the process of reauthorizing the Farm Bill. “The Farm Bill is passed by congress every five years. It authorizes all of the programs that keep our farms alive, that help beginning farms thrive,…

People in Watertown are stepping up just two days after a fire destroyed an essential part of a family’s farm – the repair shop. The farm is called Young’s Longrange Farm LLC, and it’s a fourth generation owned and operated farm offering fresh produce and seasonal items. Lawrence Crimmins, who says the Youngs have been mentors since he purchased the...

Gov. Ned Lamont has requested disaster declarations be approved for Litchfield and New Haven counties due to the difficulty for agricultural producers faced with the ongoing drought. The governor submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday, asking for the approval of primary natural disaster declarations. In his request, Lamont cites the high drought level for...

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that businesses impacted by the ongoing drought in Connecticut can now apply for aid. Farmers in New London, Windham, Hartford, Middlesex and Tolland counties can apply for the Economic Injury Disaster loan. The U.S. secretary of agriculture recently issued a disaster declaration, which is aimed at helping farmers recover from damages...

Farmers’ crops are being hit hard by worsening drought conditions. Connecticut is attempting to assist farmers with financials.

Connecticut’s Interagency Drought Workgroup issued a Stage 1 notice for New London and Windham counties, giving a heads up for the possibility of a developing drought. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of eastern Connecticut is experiencing moderate drought conditions right now. Parts of Middlesex, New Haven, Hartford and Litchfield counties are facing abnormally dry conditions. Rich Campbell...

Connecticut’s Interagency Drought Workgroup issued a Stage 1 notice for New London and Windham Counties, giving a heads up for the possibility of a developing drought.

The state is letting farmers know about tax exemption permits that could help them offset some rising costs due to inflation.