By Andi Anderson
Ohio farmers facing the effects of drought can now apply for state relief funding through the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). The application period runs from February 15 to April 1, 2025, and is available to livestock producers in 28 counties designated as primary natural disaster areas by the USDA.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that extreme weather can severely impact farming operations. Senate Bill 54, signed into law in December 2024, allocated financial aid to help affected farmers. State legislators Don Jones, Jay Edwards, and Brian Chavez played key roles in securing the funding.
Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts will administer the relief funds to eligible livestock producers who are enrolled in the USDA FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program.
The affected 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.
Many farmers continue to struggle with depleted hay and water supplies, along with financial and mental health challenges. ODA Director Brian Baldridge, a seventh-generation farmer, acknowledged the difficulties farmers face and expressed gratitude for state leaders’ support in securing relief funding.
Livestock producers in the designated counties are encouraged to contact their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts for eligibility details and to apply for assistance. More information and resources are available on ODA’s drought resource webpage.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Ohio, General