Homestead

BDN’s Homestead section is a celebration of rural life. Our writers cover small farms, animals, DIY solutions and fascinating Maine people who find unique ways to live simply. Read more Homestead stories here .

It’s been another year of challenging weather for farmers and gardeners in Maine, with a cold, wet spring turning into a dry summer and early fall.

Most of the state is now gripped by a drought that doesn’t show signs of letting up soon.

The effects are currently visible in shorter-season vegetable crops, less hay to feed Maine livestock and hundreds of wells going dry. But it may continue into the winter under current forecasts, and could also persist into the next season for apples.

Apples trees set the next season’s fruit a year in advance, and conditions that

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