Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has announced a sign-up period for state drought relief funding, available to farmers from February 15, 2025, to April 1, 2025. This initiative follows extreme weather conditions that impacted Ohio's agricultural producers during the spring and summer.

Governor Mike DeWine commented on the situation: "When your livelihood depends on the weather, droughts can be devastating. This funding relief will ensure our farmers have access to additional resources that will help strengthen their operations." The relief comes after Governor DeWine signed Senate Bill 54 into law in December 2024. The bill was led by State Representative Don Jones, former State Representative Jay Edwards, and State Senator Brian Chavez.

Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts will manage the distribution of funds across 28 counties identified as primary natural disaster areas by the USDA between August 19 and September 16, 2024. These counties include Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Tuscarawas Vinton and Washington.

Farmers continue to face challenges due to depleted hay and water supplies. ODA Director Brian Baldridge said: "From mental health challenges to loss of production...our producers felt extreme pressures. As a seventh-generation farmer...I am thankful for Governor DeWine and the Ohio legislature for their unwavering support."

Livestock producers in affected counties are encouraged to contact local districts for eligibility information and apply for funding. More details are available on ODA’s drought resource webpage.

Information from this article can be found here.