Drought Strains Farms Across Ohio Valley, Southwest, Vermont

Drought conditions in 2025 are severely impacting farmers across multiple regions in the U.S., leading to economic and operational challenges. In Ohio, the Dickinson Cattle Company faces increased hay costs and struggles to maintain cattle health due to historically low rainfall, while still managing to operate and offer tours. Oklahoma and surrounding states see mixed pasture conditions, with some drought-stricken areas improving slightly, but others like Nevada, Arizona, and Montana remain in poor states, prompting recommendations for overseeding cool-season forage crops. West Kentucky farmers contend not only with drought but also rising equipment, fertilizer, and fuel costs exacerbated by tariffs, compounding financial stress. Vermont farmers report significant drought damage to corn and pasture lands, forcing reliance on costly feed purchases and water trucking for livestock, which pressures beef prices. Southwestern Michigan faces a second consecutive year of poor crop yields, with corn and soybean production hindered by severe drought and low soil moisture levels. These widespread drought impacts are driving up costs and limiting production, threatening farm sustainability across diverse agricultural sectors.