Sooner State News

The Emergency Drought Committee convened in Oklahoma City on Monday, where they approved a new program designed to provide emergency drought assistance to producers in the state. The application period for this program will begin on November 12 and conclude on January 31, 2025.

Applications can be accessed at local conservation districts and through the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's website starting November 12.

During the meeting, Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus presented a drought forecast. "This is the most drought we have seen (in Oklahoma) since February 2023," McManus stated. "We have 79 percent of the state in drought right now and nearly 35 percent of that is extreme drought." He also noted that October has been recorded as the driest in Oklahoma's history, with an average rainfall total of just 0.09 inches statewide.

Producers may apply for assistance under this new program if their county reaches a threshold where at least 25 percent of its area is classified as D1 drought by the National Drought Monitor. Each Thursday at 9 a.m., the Oklahoma Conservation Commission will release a list of eligible counties to conservation districts.

Eligible producers can apply for various practices including pipeline installation, heavy use protection areas, water wells, pumping plants, watering facilities, pasture taps, and pond cleanouts.

In March, the Emergency Drought Committee had set a deadline of June 30 for completing pond cleanout projects. Applicants who did not meet this deadline are now prioritized in the new program. From November 1-15, these applicants must inform their local conservation district if they wish to cancel their application or have completed or plan to complete their pond cleanout after June 30.

Priority pond cleanout projects must be finished by February 28, 2025. All other practices should be completed by July 31, 2025.