Ohio Department of Agriculture Visits Drought Impacted Counties

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) visited two counties today impacted by extreme drought.

Nearly two dozen counties in southeastern Ohio have been declared primary natural disaster areas by the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency due to drought. ODA Director Brian Baldridge visited farmers in Monroe and Noble counties to learn how the conditions have impacted their crops and livestock. In August, ODA visited Athens, Morgan, and Washington counties.

"I hear from farmers every day who are concerned about the worsening drought conditions, and when the agricultural community faces challenges, we all do," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "Our role is connecting impacted crop and livestock farmers to resources and assistance to help sustain their livelihoods and continue to feed the families in our state."

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

The primary counties currently designated as D4 are:

Athens, Belmont, Fairfield, Fayette, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Vinton and Washington.

Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts report the impacts of the drought in southeastern Ohio are extensive. These include worsening pasture conditions, creeks drying, ponds low, corn and soybeans conditions not where they should be, fruits and vegetables being impacted, and winter hay is being used early, causing shortages of feed for livestock.

Through the USDA FSA, resources and programs are available for farmers experiencing the effects of the drought. ODA encourages anyone impacted to contact their local Farm Service Agency.

A drought this severe can also impact stress levels in the agricultural community. As food and agriculture make up Ohio's number one industry - our farmers carry a heavy load. It is important to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. ODA's Got Your Back campaign offers information and resources for the farming community.