DROUGHT INPUT SOUGHT FROM LOCAL FARMERS
A new report released by the National Drought Mitigation revealed that large portions of Southeast Ohio are currently experiencing severe drought.
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor has portions of 25 Ohio counties rated as severe or extreme drought conditions. With minimal or no rainfall being predicted in the short-term weather forecast, drought conditions would be expected to continue or get worse in these regions of the state. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (DO), showing areas that may be going into or coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4).
Meetings are currently being planned with USDA and partners to discuss what programs and resources may be available to help farmers. In preparation for these meetings, Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge has asked that local soil and water conservation districts obtain information from their local farmers to gain a greater understanding of what impacts farmers have experienced thus far.
The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is collecting responses and feedback from farmers in order to provide relevant information to ODA and conservation partners. Local farmers are encouraged to reach out to the District either through the District’s website at www.jeffersonswcd.org or call the office at 740 264-9790
The latest U.S. Drought Monitor has portions of 25 Ohio counties rated as severe or extreme drought conditions. With minimal or no rainfall being predicted in the short-term weather forecast, drought conditions would be expected to continue or get worse in these regions of the state. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (DO), showing areas that may be going into or coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4).
Meetings are currently being planned with USDA and partners to discuss what programs and resources may be available to help farmers. In preparation for these meetings, Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge has asked that local soil and water conservation districts obtain information from their local farmers to gain a greater understanding of what impacts farmers have experienced thus far.
The Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is collecting responses and feedback from farmers in order to provide relevant information to ODA and conservation partners. Local farmers are encouraged to reach out to the District either through the District’s website at www.jeffersonswcd.org or call the office at 740 264-9790
