Drought affecting pasture, hay growth, Christmas trees in Newport County, Rhode Island
8/29/2022 11:38:46 AM
CATEGORIES:
Agriculture
Business & Industry
Plants & Wildlife
Tourism & Recreation
AFFECTED AREAS:
Newport County, RI
Tiverton, RI
Start Date: 8/29/2022
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Grass-fed cattle near Portsmouth were instead eating hay because dry conditions kept the pasture from growing back. Hay being grown for winter feed was yielding about half of normal.
A Christmas tree grower urged people to tag their tree early or they may not get a tree this year because supplies may be limited this year as drought was killing mature trees.
Onions for sale from a local grower were smaller because they did not receive enough water while growing. Perennial crops like raspberry canes were stunted, the effects of which will be apparent next year.
Hot conditions this summer have also affected the seafood industry. Clams purchased from various local diggers have died at an abnormally high rate in the past few weeks. The clams die in the refrigerator two days after harvest.
While prices are higher at the farmers market, high costs of chicken feed and gas were blamed.
The Newport Daily News (R.I.), Aug 29, 2022
Sources