Many of Vermont's rivers surged across farmland during Tropical Storm Irene, tearing up the land itself, damaging homes and buildings, and ruining crops.

Officials say 20,000 acres of farmland was flooded. Dairy farmers who lost electricity had to dump milk. And many animals drowned.

Agriculture Secretary Chuck Ross spoke to VPR's Peter Biello about the damage.

Click the "Listen" above to hear the interview.