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News Release 9-6-2002 |
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AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER REQUESTS DROUGHT SURVEY Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass has requested that West Virginia Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director John Rader begin a survey of drought conditions in West Virginia. “Although rainfall has been close to normal this summer, the state’s farmers have continued to express their concerns about the condition of streams and the water table,” said Commissioner Douglass. “Many have complained that the wells and springs on their farms are drying up, jeopardizing livestock.” Although counties in the Eastern Panhandle have been severely affected by the deep drought that has plagued the entire East Coast, counties west of the mountains were thought to have been in better condition. However, at least five counties in north central West Virginia have formally expressed concerns about water levels. Now experts are wondering if the heavy, rapid rains experienced this year have been effective in recharging the groundwater table, or if most of that water simply ran off without percolating through the ground. The FSA survey plans to take into account reports of groundwater shortages, a factor not typically examined in drought declarations. “It is vitally important that we document the actual conditions on all of West Virginia’s farms,” said Commissioner Douglass. “If funding becomes available in the future, that information will be needed to make the case that West Virginia’s farmers deserve as much assistance as farmers in any other state.” Across the nation, agricultural losses are mounting due to continued dry conditions in traditionally agriculturally rich areas. USDA reports that 48 percent of the nation’s pastures are in very poor condition, and that the wheat crop in Montana is facing a 62 percent decline. The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) recently wrote to all members of Congress supporting proposed emergency disaster assistance for the nation's drought-stricken farmers, a measure Commissioner Douglass also strongly supports. Any farmers having problems with wells or springs, or suffering from other drought-related problems should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency field representative. |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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