The Drought Rapid Response Team at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) offers guidance in light of the USDA making emergency loans and federal aid programs available

CFAES is stepping up its support for Ohio farmers following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's declaration of 23 Ohio counties as natural disaster areas due to severe drought. This designation has activated access to emergency loans and other federal aid programs to help alleviate the crisis affecting local agriculture.

Since mid-June, Ohio has experienced worsening drought conditions, significantly impacting the agricultural sector. Currently, over 95% of the state faces varying degrees of drought, with 15 counties under the most severe category—marking Ohio's first encounter with exceptional drought conditions in its history.

Farmers in affected areas now qualify for USDA emergency loans, which are crucial for replacing equipment, replanting crops, covering living expenses, or managing debt. The ongoing drought poses substantial challenges, particularly to livestock producers dealing with forage scarcity and potential toxicity issues in feed crops. Grain crop farmers are also experiencing reduced yields and premature maturation due to shortened grain-fill periods.

Experts from OSU Extension, including field specialists in dairy management and agronomic systems, provide research-based guidance and support. They recommend strategies such as planting overwintering cover crops to manage soil nutrients, although persistent dry conditions may limit such measures.

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As the state confronts these unprecedented conditions, CFAES continues to offer crucial agricultural resources online. Visit the State Climate Office of Ohio's drought portal for Ohio drought resources and drought impact across the state.