By Andi Anderson
After a summer of severe drought, cattle farmers in Ohio are facing significant challenges as they prepare for winter. Normally, cattle spend the summer grazing on fresh grass, but due to the extreme dry conditions this year, many farmers had to dip into their winter hay reserves to feed their herds.
The shortage of rainfall meant that green pasture was hard to find, forcing farmers to make difficult decisions.
In southeast Ohio, the lack of rain impacted hay production. Farmers, who typically get multiple cuttings of hay each season, struggled to get even a second cutting this year. The reduced hay supply has led many to worry about whether they’ll have enough feed to last through the winter.
This summer’s drought was the worst Ohio has seen since the U.S. Department of Agriculture began monitoring in 2000. Even after some rainfall from a hurricane, over 60% of the state remains in moderate to exceptional drought.
Appalachian Ohio, where many cattle farms are located, was particularly affected, with dried-up springs, ponds, and creeks making it harder to provide water for livestock.
A survey conducted by the local conservation district showed that nearly all local cattle farmers had to rely on hay during the summer months, and three-quarters also had to haul water for their animals.
Many farms that usually have natural water sources like ponds and creeks have been forced to find alternative ways to get water to their livestock. Some farmers have had to transport water from distant locations, adding hours of labor and increasing fuel costs.
These challenges are also taking a toll on farmers financially. The average farmer in the area reportedly spent over $4,300 during the summer months to feed and water their animals, an unexpected expense that continues to rise.
For those who run out of hay, the only option may be to travel out of state to purchase more, adding transportation costs to an already difficult situation.
The drought has had long-lasting effects, and with over 40 counties in Ohio now classified as natural disaster areas, affected farmers are eligible for federal assistance through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
While this support is welcome, many farmers hope that the state will also provide aid, as it has done in the past during severe droughts.
Some farmers, feeling the stress of these added challenges, have decided to leave agriculture altogether. The combination of extreme weather events and rising operational costs has pushed them to consider other options.
For those committed to staying, the future remains uncertain. Concerns are growing about what will happen if the water levels do not recover. As extreme weather events become more frequent, farmers are left wondering what the next season will bring and how they can adapt to ensure their farms survive.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Ohio, Livestock