Agriculture & Food | New Hampshire Public Radio

Agriculture & Food

Branching Out: Novel Tree Syrups Could Make Forests, Farmers More Resilient

By • May 19, 2021
Annie Ropeik / NHPR

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are studying new ways to make syrup out of the northern forest -- not from maple trees, but from beeches, birches, sycamores and more. They want to create new markets for an industry that, right now, depends on just one kind of tree – making it vulnerable to disease and climate change. 

'Last Chance' To Conserve Well Water As N.H.'s Drought Spreads, State Warns

By • Oct 1, 2020
Merlene Whiting Pilotte / Courtesy

More than 10 percent of New Hampshire is now in an extreme drought, with Lake Winnipesaukee and other reservoirs at record low levels and an increasing number of water wells running dry.

Worsening N.H. Drought Strains Rivers, Water Wells And Farmers

By • Sep 3, 2020
Annie Ropeik / NHPR

New Hampshire’s ongoing drought has worsened again, with severe dryness now spreading into Grafton County and escalating impacts to surface water and agriculture.

At a meeting Thursday, officials said nearly the entire state remains in a drought, with the worst of it stretching from the Seacoast into the lower White Mountains.

Dartmouth Study Models Bioenergy Scenarios With Major Climate Benefits

By • Aug 31, 2020
USDA

Researchers at Dartmouth College have published a new analysis on how current and future uses of plant-based energy could be a key solution to climate change.

The study looks at bioenergy and biofuels, which can come from all kinds of plants, including grass, trees, corn or algae.

‘Survival Mode’ For Southern N.H. Vegetable Farmers As State Prepares To Declare Drought

By • Jun 22, 2020
Annie Ropeik / NHPR

Near-drought conditions in southern New Hampshire are straining vegetable farmers in the midst of planting season, after more than a month without substantial rainfall.

The state expects to soon declare a drought in the southern tier and lower Lakes Region, after an abnormally dry spring and a winter without much snow to recharge streams and groundwater.

N.H. Farmers Face An Uncertain Spring

By The Exchange • Apr 5, 2020
CJEJ Farm

If you thought being a New Hampshire farmer was challenging before, imagine doing it in the midst of a global pandemic. Farmers are well-acquainted with uncertainty, but this Spring, Granite State farmers are being challenged to find new ways to produce and sell their products. We talk with small family farms to find  out how they're coping, if federal subsidies are available, and if strong local connections will endure.

Air date: Monday, April 6, 2020