Ritchie Helps Connect Farmers, Others Impacted by Drought With Groundwater Expert

Nearly 50 farmers and others affected by the summer’s severe drought were able to hear from a groundwater expert about how to rebound from the dry weather and protect themselves in the future at a special presentation organized by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie.

Held Wednesday at Watertown’s Dulles State Office Building, the presentation—which was the result of suggestions made during Senator Ritchie’s recent tour of farms affected by the drought—featured a discussion led by Dr. M. Todd Walter, a hydrogeologist who serves as Director of the New York State Water Resources Institute, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University.

During the presentation, Dr. Walter discussed the impact the drought has had on local aquifers, how long it may take wells to recover and offered  insights on how farmers and others can potentially rebound.  In addition, he also spoke about the importance of collecting and utilizing data to make predictions about future drought.

“From additional costs to damaged crops, the summer’s drought has created real challenges for hardworking farmers in the region I represent and beyond,” said Senator Ritchie.

“I would like to thank Dr. Walter for making the trip to Jefferson County to provide those affected with information on what it might take to recover, as well as suggestions for how people can protect themselves and their operations from similar dry conditions in the future.”

“It goes without saying that water is an essential part of any farming operation,” said Dr. Walter.

“I would like to thank Senator Ritchie for the invitation to share with farmers and others my insights on the recent drought.  I am hopeful that this information will help our farmers rebound as well as protect the future of New York’s agriculture industry.”

For those who missed Wednesday’s presentation, a video of it will soon be available on Senator Ritchie’s website.