Brent Bolen, State Board of Agriculture Member | Oklahoma Department Of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
Brent Bolen, State Board of Agriculture Member | Oklahoma Department Of Agriculture, Food and Forestry
The Emergency Drought Committee convened in Oklahoma City to evaluate the newly announced emergency drought assistance program, following recent rainfall across the state. According to the Oklahoma Mesonet, 56 out of 77 counties have received four or more inches of rain over the past ten days. Despite this, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains affected by some level of drought, as indicated by the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map.
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur stated, “This committee’s job is to get relief to farmers and ranchers who’ve been impacted by drought.” She emphasized the importance of using state funds efficiently while addressing ongoing impacts and preparing for future droughts.
The emergency assistance program will start accepting applications on Tuesday, November 12. It was approved by the Emergency Drought Committee on October 28. Producers can apply when their county reaches a minimum of 25 percent area in D1 drought status as reported by the National Drought Monitor. The initial list of eligible counties will be based on data from October 29.
Eligible producers may apply for various practices including pipeline installation, heavy use protection areas, water wells, pumping plants, watering facilities, pasture taps, and pond cleanouts. Applications will be available at local conservation districts and on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website starting November 12.
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