by J.D. Davidson
As some of the worst drought conditions in more than a generation continue to spread across Ohio, state and federal governments have offered help to struggling farmers.
Earlier this week, the Ohio Department of Agriculture announced its developing an Ohio Hay Directory to help farmers struggling to feed livestock.
The hope is the directory will connect impacted farmers, stakeholders and community members by having buyers and sellers sign up to be part of the directory.
“It’s important to rally together as a community and support our farmers as they face these severe drought conditions,” said Rep. Marilyn John, R-Richland County. “I hope the Ohio Hay Directory will serve as a valuable resource to all those who are impacted.”
More than a dozen of the state’s 88 counties are listed in exceptional drought on the U.S. drought monitor, while only five counties are under no drought intensity.
The state’s new hay directory follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s reminder of several areas of assistance.
The USDA outlined help through its Livestock Forage Disaster Program available in Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas and Vinton counties.
The USDA also has help available through its Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program, Tree Assistance Program and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
“Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local county office to timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses,” said John Patterson, State Executive Director for FSA in Ohio. “To expedite FSA disaster assistance, you will likely need to provide documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.”
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An Ohio native, J.D. Davidson is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of experience in newspapers in Ohio, Georgia, Alabama and Texas. He has served as a reporter, editor, managing editor and publisher. Davidson is a regional editor for The Center Square.
