By Andi Anderson
Following a call to action from the Ohio Farm Bureau and several meetings with legislators, the Ohio General Assembly recently approved $10 million in disaster assistance for farmers affected by this year’s severe drought. The funding aims to provide relief to those in need, particularly farmers in the eastern, southeastern, and southern regions of Ohio, which were hit hardest by the drought.
“This bill is a direct response to the impact of the extreme and exceptional drought conditions that have plagued much of eastern, southeastern and southern Ohio,” said State Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport), who spearheaded the legislation. “I appreciate my colleagues’ swift response to ensure Ohio farmers received immediate relief and are well-equipped as we head into the winter months.”
For many livestock farmers, especially in southeast Ohio, the drought presented some of the toughest conditions in recent memory. The prolonged dry spells during the summer and fall months devastated pastures, forcing farmers to purchase and feed hay much earlier than usual. In certain areas, over 100,000 gallons of water are being delivered daily to sustain livestock.
Adding to the challenge, farmers are already facing economic difficulties, with farm income projected to drop by nearly 25% nationwide this year. These financial strains, combined with the drought, have pushed many multi-generational farms to sell parts of their operations to survive in 2025.
“Ohio agriculture is no stranger to hard times, but no matter how many hard times we may have been through, sometimes an event happens where just ‘getting through’ isn’t an option,” said Evan Callicoat, director of state policy with Ohio Farm Bureau. “For an industry that consistently runs on thin margins and is literally at the whim of nature, this money has the potential to save family farms.”
Photo Credit: ohio-farm-bureau
Categories: Ohio, Business