Ohio state steps up after USDA disaster

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) is ramping up its support for farmers following the USDA’s declaration of 23 Ohio counties as natural disaster areas due to severe drought.

This designation allows farmers to access USDA emergency loans and other federal relief programs critical to helping them through this difficult period.

Drought conditions have worsened across Ohio since mid-June, with nearly 95% of the state affected by abnormal dryness or drought, according to a Sept. 5 update from the U.S. Drought Monitor. 31% of the state is experiencing severe drought, with 7% in exceptional drought for the first time in Ohio’s history, impacting 15 counties.

Farmers in these designated areas are eligible for USDA emergency loans to help cover equipment replacement, replant crops, or manage living expenses. The loans come at a critical time as farmers face drought conditions that have hit crops and livestock hard.

“The drought has placed a significant strain on Ohio farmers, and CFAES is ready to help,” said Chris Zoller, interim assistant director of Ohio State University Extension’s agricultural and natural resources program. OSU Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES, is offering research-based guidance and hands-on support to farmers during this challenging period.

CFAES’s Drought Rapid Response Team has been closely monitoring the drought and collaborating with farmers, state agencies, and the USDA to assess the situation and devise strategies to mitigate its impact. Weekly updates on weather, crop health, and water resources help farmers manage their operations.

“This drought is unprecedented,” said David Marrison, OSU Extension field specialist in farm management. “USDA’s assistance programs will provide vital financial relief, ensuring our agricultural community can recover and continue.”

In addition to emergency loans, farmers can benefit from other USDA programs like the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which provide compensation for crop and grazing losses. With corn and soybean crops rated fair to very poor and 91% of pastures suffering, these programs are crucial.

CFAES encourages farmers to visit its Drought Conditions and Resources webpage and contact their local Farm Service Agency offices for assistance with USDA programs. Working together, Ohio’s agricultural community aims to overcome the challenges of this historic drought and prepare for future uncertainties.

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