The USDA in late November, 2025 declared Maine's ongoing drought as a natural disaster. The declaration will help farmers in all 16 Maine counties with USDA loan eligibility and other sources of financial assistance at federal and state level. Farmers have suffered yield drops in crops such as blueberries, apples, potatoes, and in maple syrup. Yields have been reduced by 50-75% this past harvest season. Damage may persist into 2026 with berry and fruit crops since the current drought has affected the setting of buds for next year's crops. On a personal level, aside from paying more for the annual produce one becomes used to in Maine, I thankfully have not been affected to any great degree by the on-going drought. My well is holding up very well. The fields are dry, but there has been enough precipitation to keep fire danger down to a minimum this fall. But the amount of moisture received through the autumn has not been anywhere near what is needed to replenish soil moisture and water tables throughout Maine.