I’ll research this drought situation affecting New Hampshire farms and write a comprehensive, original article that expands on the story while providing additional context and sources.# When the Wells Run Dry: New Hampshire Farmers Navigate an Unprecedented Drought Crisis
How the Granite State’s agricultural community is reinventing itself to survive record-breaking dry conditions
The morning sun cast long shadows across what should have been lush green pastures at Brookfield Farm in Canterbury, New Hampshire. Instead, farm manager Sarah Mitchell surveyed cracked earth and withered grass that told the story of one of the state’s most severe droughts in decades. Like hundreds of other agricultural operations across the Granite State, her farm has become ground zero in a climate crisis that’s forcing fundamental changes in how New Hampshire feeds itself.
“I’ve been farming for thirty years, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” Mitchell said, kicking at the parched soil with her boot. “We’re having to make choices we never thought we’d faceāwhich crops to save, which fields to abandon, and how to keep our livestock healthy when the wells are running dry.”
Her words echo across New Hampshire’s agricultural landscape, where 2024 has delivered what meteorologists are calling one of the most challenging drought conditions in the state’s recorded history.
A Crisis Years in the Making
New Hampshire experienced one of its driest falls on record in 2024, with Concord receiving fewer than 4 inches of rain from the beginning of autumnāa stark contrast to normal precipitation patterns^1. This followed a summer that saw unprecedented heat and minimal rainfall, creating what climate scientists term a “compound drought event.”
As of early September 2024, more than 91% of New Hampshire was experiencing some degree of drought conditions, with approximately 46% of the state classified under severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor^14. The situation has only intensified, with current data showing that 77.9% of major watersheds are experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions^6.
The impact extends far beyond statistics. Agricultural operations that have sustained New Hampshire communities for generations are facing existential challenges. Blueberry farmers in the southeastern part of the state watched helplessly as their crops literally dried up on the bushes, while dairy operations struggled to maintain adequate water supplies for their herds^2.
UNH Extension and NRCS discuss irrigation efficiency strategies for New Hampshire farmers
The Perfect Storm of Agricultural Challenges
The 2024 growing season presented New Hampshire farmers with what agricultural economists describe as a “perfect storm” of challenging conditions. Following several years of unpredictable weather patterns, including a wet spring that caused significant crop rotting followed by an extremely dry summer, many operations found themselves depleting financial reserves just to survive^3.
Dr. Rebecca Sideman, a professor and extension specialist at the University of New Hampshire, explains the complexity of the challenge: “This isn’t just about one dry summer. We’re seeing a pattern of weather volatility that’s making traditional farming practices obsolete. Farmers who could once rely on natural rainfall patterns now need backup plans for their backup plans.”
The drought’s impact varies significantly across different agricultural sectors:
Vegetable Operations
Small-scale vegetable farms, which form the backbone of New Hampshire’s local food system, have been particularly hard hit. Operations that typically relied on rainfall for irrigation have been forced to invest thousands of dollars in emergency water systems, often depleting already thin profit margins.
Tom Johnson, who operates a 15-acre vegetable farm in Hollis, describes the financial strain: “We’ve had to drill two new wells this season and install a drip irrigation system that cost us nearly $15,000. For a small operation like ours, that’s money we simply don’t have, but it’s the difference between having a farm next year or not.”
Dairy and Livestock Operations
Dairy farms face a double challenge: providing adequate water for livestock while maintaining pasture and feed crop production. The situation has forced many operations to purchase expensive supplemental feed while simultaneously increasing water usage for animal care.
Fruit Production
New Hampshire’s apple orchards, a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural tourism industry, have experienced unprecedented stress. Many orchards have seen reduced fruit size, early leaf drop, and increased susceptibility to pest and disease pressure due to drought stress.
Innovation Born from Necessity
While the drought presents unprecedented challenges, it has also sparked remarkable innovation across New Hampshire’s farming community. Farmers are implementing sophisticated water conservation techniques, adopting drought-resistant crop varieties, and fundamentally rethinking their relationship with the land.
Advanced Irrigation Systems
The University of New Hampshire Extension has become a crucial resource, providing guidance on drought management strategies that extend far beyond simple water conservation^8. Their recommendations include:
Drip Irrigation Systems: Many farms are transitioning from traditional sprinkler systems to precision drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant root zones, reducing evaporation losses by up to 40%.
Soil Moisture Monitoring: Sophisticated soil moisture sensors allow farmers to optimize irrigation timing, ensuring water is applied only when needed and in precise amounts.
Mulching and Cover Cropping: Strategic use of organic mulches and cover crops helps retain soil moisture while building long-term soil health.
Crop Selection and Genetic Adaptation
Perhaps the most significant long-term adaptation involves changing what crops farmers grow. Many operations are experimenting with drought-resistant varieties and species that can thrive in New Hampshire’s changing climate^7.
“We’re seeing farmers grow varieties with deeper root networks that allow them to tap into water deep underground during times of drought,” explains Dr. Sideman. “It’s a fundamental shift from trying to fight the climate to working with it.”
Some of the most promising adaptations include:
- Heat-tolerant tomato varieties that maintain production during extended hot periods
- Drought-resistant bean cultivars that require 30% less water than traditional varieties
- Deep-rooted perennial crops that can access groundwater during surface drought conditions
- Native plant species for livestock forage that evolved to handle New England’s variable climate
Water Harvesting and Storage
Innovative farmers are implementing sophisticated rainwater harvesting systems, installing large-capacity storage tanks, and even exploring atmospheric water generation technologies. These systems allow farms to capture and store water during occasional precipitation events for use during extended dry periods.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The drought’s impact extends far beyond individual farms, creating ripple effects throughout New Hampshire’s rural economy. Agricultural tourism, farmers’ markets, and food processing operations all face challenges as crop yields decline and food costs increase.
According to preliminary economic impact assessments, New Hampshire’s agricultural sector could see losses exceeding $50 million in 2024 alone if current drought conditions persist. These losses don’t just affect farmersāthey impact feed stores, equipment dealers, agricultural lenders, and the countless small businesses that depend on a thriving rural economy.
Local farmers’ markets have reported significant decreases in vendor participation, with some longtime vendors unable to maintain adequate production levels. This creates a cascade effect, as consumers lose access to local food sources and rural communities lose important gathering spaces that build social cohesion.
Climate Change and the Future of New Hampshire Agriculture
The 2024 drought represents more than an anomalous weather eventāit’s a preview of the climate conditions New Hampshire farmers may face regularly in the coming decades. Climate models suggest that the region will experience more frequent and severe drought conditions, interspersed with extreme precipitation events that can be equally damaging to agricultural operations^9.
The New Hampshire Food Alliance has been working to develop comprehensive climate adaptation strategies that acknowledge this new reality^16. Their research indicates that successful adaptation will require coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including:
Infrastructure Investment
Building resilient agricultural infrastructure requires significant public and private investment in water storage systems, improved irrigation networks, and climate-controlled storage facilities.
Research and Development
The University of New Hampshire and other research institutions are developing new crop varieties, farming techniques, and water management systems specifically adapted to New England’s changing climate conditions^17.
Policy Support
State and federal policies must evolve to support agricultural adaptation, including funding for conservation practices, research support, and risk management programs that acknowledge climate change realities.
Water Resources and Regulatory Challenges
The drought has exposed critical gaps in New Hampshire’s water resource management framework. As agricultural water demands increase during drought periods, conflicts arise with municipal water supplies, environmental protection needs, and recreational water uses.
Current state regulations regarding groundwater withdrawal were designed for different climate conditions and may not adequately address the water security needs of agricultural operations facing extended drought periods^10. Recent legislative efforts have attempted to address these challenges, but comprehensive reform remains elusive^12.
Many farmers report that existing permit processes for agricultural water use are cumbersome and don’t adequately account for the emergency nature of drought conditions. Wells that have provided adequate water for decades are running dry, forcing farmers into expensive drilling projects or costly water purchases.
“The regulatory framework was built for a different climate,” explains water law expert Professor Jennifer Martin of Franklin Pierce Law School. “We need policies that can respond quickly to drought emergencies while still protecting our long-term water resources.”
Innovation in Water Conservation
Despite the challenges, New Hampshire farmers are pioneering innovative water conservation techniques that could serve as models for agricultural operations nationwide. These innovations span from high-tech solutions to time-tested traditional methods adapted for modern conditions.
Precision Agriculture Technologies
GPS-guided irrigation systems now allow farmers to apply water with unprecedented precision, targeting specific crop needs and soil conditions. These systems can reduce water usage by up to 30% while maintaining or even improving crop yields.
Drone-based monitoring systems help farmers identify crop stress before it becomes visible to the naked eye, allowing for targeted intervention rather than blanket irrigation applications. Thermal imaging technology can reveal variations in plant water status across large fields, enabling precise water management.
Biological Solutions
Many farms are implementing biological approaches to water conservation, including:
Mycorrhizal Inoculation: Beneficial soil fungi that help plants access water more efficiently
Biochar Application: Soil amendments that improve water retention capacity
Integrated Pest Management: Reducing plant stress from pests and diseases to minimize water requirements
Traditional Techniques with Modern Applications
Some of the most effective solutions combine traditional farming wisdom with modern technology. Contour farming, terracing, and strategic windbreak plantingsātechniques used by farmers for centuriesāare being optimized using GPS mapping and computerized design tools.
Understanding modern irrigation techniques and their importance in drought-prone agriculture
Community Response and Support Systems
The drought crisis has revealed both the vulnerability of New Hampshire’s agricultural sector and the strength of its rural communities. Farmers who might traditionally compete with each other are now sharing resources, knowledge, and equipment to help everyone survive the crisis.
Cooperative Resource Sharing
Informal networks have emerged where farmers share expensive equipment like soil moisture meters, irrigation systems, and even water itself. Some operations with adequate well water are providing emergency supplies to neighboring farms facing complete well failure.
Local equipment dealers have developed rental programs specifically designed for drought emergency equipment, allowing small farms to access sophisticated irrigation systems without prohibitive upfront costs.
Knowledge Networks
The University of New Hampshire Extension has facilitated numerous field days, workshops, and online learning opportunities focused on drought management. These programs have created informal networks of farmers sharing real-time information about effective techniques and available resources.
Social media platforms have become crucial communication tools, with farmers sharing everything from weather observations to equipment availability. WhatsApp groups and Facebook pages dedicated to drought management have become virtual water coolers where farmers exchange advice and support.
Financial Support Systems
While federal crop insurance programs provide some protection against drought losses, many farmers report that coverage levels don’t adequately reflect the true cost of drought adaptation. Emergency lending programs through the USDA and state agencies have provided crucial short-term relief, but long-term financial sustainability remains a challenge.
Some agricultural lenders have developed innovative loan products specifically designed for climate adaptation investments, recognizing that traditional lending models don’t adequately account for the long-term benefits of drought-resilient infrastructure.
Environmental and Ecological Implications
The drought’s impact extends beyond agricultural production to encompass broader ecological concerns that affect New Hampshire’s environmental health. Reduced streamflows have created challenges for aquatic ecosystems, while increased groundwater pumping raises concerns about long-term aquifer sustainability^11.
Water Quality Concerns
Concentrated livestock operations facing water shortages may be forced to use marginal water sources, potentially creating water quality challenges. Reduced dilution from normal streamflows can concentrate agricultural pollutants, affecting downstream water users and aquatic ecosystems.
Soil Health and Erosion
Drought-stressed soils become more susceptible to erosion when precipitation finally arrives. Many farmers are implementing emergency soil protection measures, including temporary cover crops and erosion barriers, to protect valuable topsoil during the inevitable return of heavy rains.
Wildlife and Habitat Impacts
Agricultural lands provide crucial habitat for many wildlife species, and drought-induced changes in farming practices can have cascading effects on local ecosystems. Some farmers are working with conservation organizations to maintain wildlife corridors and water sources even as they adapt their operations to drought conditions.
Looking Forward: Building Resilience for Future Challenges
As New Hampshire’s farmers navigate the immediate crisis of 2024’s historic drought, they’re also planning for a future where such conditions may become the norm rather than the exception. This long-term perspective is driving fundamental changes in how agricultural operations are designed, financed, and managed.
Infrastructure Investment Priorities
Smart infrastructure investment focuses on systems that provide multiple benefits under various climate conditions. Storage systems that capture excess water during wet periods and release it during droughts represent one example of this approach. Similarly, solar-powered irrigation systems reduce energy costs while providing reliable water delivery.
Crop Diversification Strategies
Many farms are moving away from monoculture production toward diversified systems that spread climate risk across multiple crops and production seasons. This approach requires new expertise and market development but provides greater resilience against weather extremes.
Market Adaptation
Consumer education about seasonal availability and climate impacts is becoming increasingly important. Many farmers are finding that transparent communication about weather challenges actually strengthens customer relationships and builds support for local food systems.
The Role of Technology in Drought Management
Advanced technology is playing an increasingly important role in helping New Hampshire farmers manage drought conditions effectively. From satellite-based crop monitoring to AI-powered irrigation scheduling, technological solutions are making sophisticated water management accessible to operations of all sizes.
Remote Sensing and Monitoring
Satellite imagery provides real-time information about crop health, soil moisture, and irrigation effectiveness across entire watersheds. This information helps farmers make informed decisions about resource allocation and enables early intervention when problems arise.
Automated Irrigation Systems
Smart irrigation controllers use weather data, soil moisture sensors, and crop requirements to automatically adjust water application rates. These systems can continue optimizing irrigation even when farmers are dealing with other urgent priorities.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Farm management software now integrates weather forecasts, market prices, and resource availability to help farmers make complex decisions about crop selection, planting timing, and resource allocation under uncertain conditions.
Policy Recommendations and Support Needs
Addressing New Hampshire’s agricultural drought challenges requires coordinated policy responses at multiple levels of government. Farmers, agricultural organizations, and policy experts are advocating for several specific reforms:
Emergency Response Protocols
Streamlined permitting processes for emergency water access during declared drought conditions could help farmers respond more quickly to critical situations.
Investment Incentives
Tax incentives or grants for drought-resilient infrastructure could help farms make necessary adaptations without compromising their financial stability.
Research Funding
Increased support for agricultural research focused on New England climate conditions could accelerate the development of locally adapted solutions.
Water Resource Planning
Comprehensive watershed planning that includes agricultural water needs alongside municipal and environmental requirements could help prevent
