By Andi Anderson
Morgan County livestock farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the historic drought of 2024. With less than 4 inches of rain from June to September, pastures are stunted, and water sources are drying up.
Farmers are struggling to maintain their herds amid these extreme conditions.
Some dairy operations report having to haul water daily for the cattle, spending hours each day to maintain an adequate supply.
Farmers also report pastures failing, and that they have already started to use up round bales of hay, raising concerns about how they will feed their livestock through winter.
The drought has not only impacted feed and water but has also raised concerns about forage toxicity due to changing weather patterns.
The Ohio State University Extension has cautioned farmers about potential nitrate issues in corn silage and unusual cattle eating behaviors due to sparse grazing options.
Government assistance is available, but many farmers believe the support does not cover the extensive labor and resource costs required to mitigate the drought’s impact.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Ohio, Livestock