Farmers urged to prepare for storm

MONTPELIER — Vermont officials are urging farmers to prepare for power outages and flooding from Hurricane Sandy, which is moving up the coast.
The exact course of Sandy is unknown, but forecasters say it could collide early next week with a winter storm moving east across the continent. The brunt of the storm is expected to hit the New York-New Jersey area Tuesday, but its effects could be felt through much of next week.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture is advising farmers to harvest crops still in the fields. For those who need power for milking cows or cooling milk tanks, the agency warns to prepare for power outages by making sure generators are working.
Farmers also are advised to purchase sufficient fuel to operate generators and equipment.