MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — Massachusetts remains in a drought this winter with 98 percent of the state experiencing moderate drought conditions. However, yesterday’s snow fall will help combat the dry summer that farmers across the state experienced in 2016.
“As a vegetable farmer, I am pleased that we received snowfall yesterday,” said Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “Snow is better than rain for us, as it will melt slowly and permeate into the soil. This will help our soils retain the moisture and make our ground more workable in the spring.”
The recent precipitation will help Massachusetts catch up on the moisture it missed this summer, however New England as whole has not caught up after a lengthy dry period.
“Since late fall, perception has been on the increase in New England, but not great enough to put a major dent in the long-term deficits,” the Drought Monitor said in a recent statement.
“Mother nature is the biggest factor in determining how our crops will yield,” Davidian said. “Right now, we are relaying on her to send more moisture our way to prepare for spring planting.”
Click here to view the most current Drought Monitor for Massachusetts.
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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