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GOVERNOR DECLARES DROUGHT EMERGENCY; STATE WILL SEEK FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
Governor Joe Manchin, III, announced a drought emergency in 42 West Virginia counties Thursday, joining a growing list of states affected by sustained dry weather.
"The reports coming from the counties show that West Virginia’s farmers are in an increasingly desperate situation," said Governor Manchin. "Fields are parched, livestock need water, and our farmers are in need of assistance right now."
Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass echoed the Governor.
"The outlook is bleak for the second cutting of hay throughout much of the state, and weather forecasts don’t look very promising. It could be a tough year for a lot of West Virginia farmers this year," said Commissioner Douglass.
Many counties in the western part of the state had only about an inch of rain in May and not much more in June. Monthly averages should be in the range of 4-5 inches. Local reports estimate the first hay crop was short 20-50 percent, depending on farm location. The second cutting may be a complete loss in many areas.
The declaration opens the door for federal aid for West Virginia’s farmers. Governor Manchin’s drought declaration, based on county-level estimates made by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which will make an assistance decision based on available resources and severity of conditions.
Commissioner Douglass reminded farmers to save receipts for any drought-related expenses they incur in case financial assistance becomes available in the future.
As for the present, Commissioner Douglass noted that many livestock are in immediate jeopardy due to water shortages, and that the West Virginia Conservation Agency (WVCA) will begin allowing farmers to draw water from approximately 20 flood control structures to fill portable water tanks. WVCA Director Truman Wolfe said he was working with the State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) to get that program under way. He predicted some locations should be pumping water by early next week. Also, Commissioner Douglass requested $100,000 from the Governor’s Contingency Fund as cost-share money for farmer’s water needs and will request that the USDA open land in farm conservation programs for emergency grazing.
The WVU Extension Service is searching for hay for sale to help tide farmers over, and some conservation funding may be set aside for producers who need water assistance.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a special ranking period for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). West Virginia NRCS has set aside $250,000 of EQIP funds for producers who need funding assistance with livestock water sources because of the developing drought in West Virginia. Contracts may include water wells, pumping plants, pipelines and/or watering facilities, which need to be completed within sixty days of contract obligation. Deadline is July 13 if applying for this program. Interested farmers should contact their local NRCS.
Commissioner Douglass advised farmers to try to maintain their base herds by culling less desirable cattle and harvesting the bottom 25 percent of their herds based on weaning weight performance. He also urged farmers to start looking ahead for fall feed sources. Commissioner Douglass also noted that research has indicated that calves can be weaned at 140-160 days if on a balanced weaning ration and vaccination program. That would cut the grass needs of mother cows by approximately a third. If a wet weather pattern emerges, he said farmers should consider planting millet or other annuals for quick supplemental grazing or hay.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. Currently, Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is the longest-serving agriculture commissioner in the nation. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
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