Drought damaging farms and water supplies

Pickaway County is among 22 in Ohio declared a natural disaster area due to drought by the United States Department of Agriculture.

This designation allows the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend emergency credit to farm operators in primary counties and contiguous counties through FSA emergency loan assistance.

Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. The deadline for producers in designated primary and contiguous counties to apply for loans is April 28, 2025.

Besides Pickaway County, regional counties impacted by the USDA declaration include Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Ross, Vinton and Washington counties. Several counties in West Virginia, along the Ohio border, have also been named eligible.

Earlier this week, the Athens County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency due to severe drought conditions.

“This crisis is significantly impacting our local agriculture and farmers,” said Theresa Fouts-Imler, in her role as the Emergency Management Agency director. “The prolonged dry spell is devastating our crops and livestock, posing a serious threat to our agricultural community. As a result, the Athens County commissioners have taken action to provide support to our farmers during this challenging period.”

Commissioners in several surrounding counties, including Washington, have made similar declarations in recent days.

According to the US Drought monitor, several counties are experiencing extreme drought, exceptional drought or a combination of the two.

Extreme drought means between 4 and 4.9 inches less of precipitation than normal. It can cause major crop/pasture losses, extreme fire danger, widespread water shortages or restrictions. Exception drought is anything about 5.0 inches less of precipitation than normal. It can cause widespread crop/pasture losses; shortages of water in reservoirs, streams, and wells creating water emergencies.

State Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) recently announced his district (91st House), which includes Fayette, Highland, Pike and Ross counties are experiencing severe drought.

“Our area is currently experiencing extremely dry conditions that are putting a strain on our livestock, crops, and water resources,” said Peterson. “I encourage those who are having these hardships to document the issues and report them to the USDA Ohio FSA.”

When a county is at a level D3 or above, residents qualify for federal assistance programs. A complete list of USDA disaster assistance programs can be found online at ohiohouse.gov/assets/press-releases/121985/files/19512.pdf