Some farmers didn't even get a 2nd cut of hay. Apparently pastures are 'dead' - nothing above the ground & although fall rains should bring them back next year - there's no help for the rest of the season. Beef herds are about to start being sold off around here - already happening in the US. Dairy herds have no recourse but to buy hay & feed - they've got milk quotas to meet.
But sadly, as the article mentions - most farm operators here are in their mid-50s. They're already working off the farm, as are their spouses. I can vouch they're still having trouble making ends meet - farming is expensive & so much can go wrong. Farmers who cut back or sell off - even for a season - are increasingly unlikely to try again. Result: more mid-sized family farms being lost:
http://www.thewhig.com/2012/08/01/dr...ng-term-effect
Drought could have long-term effect
And Locally - Horrible Year to be Doing Seasonal Work
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