By Andi Anderson
The Ohio General Assembly has approved a $10 million drought relief package to support farmers impacted by extreme weather conditions in 2024.
Persistent drought has devastated pastures across eastern, southeastern, and southern Ohio, creating unprecedented challenges for livestock farmers.
State Representative Don Jones, who spearheaded the legislation, highlighted its importance. “This bill is a direct response to the extreme drought conditions that have affected much of Ohio,” he stated. The relief package is aimed at providing immediate support to farmers as they prepare for winter.
The drought has forced many farmers to purchase hay months earlier than usual and truck in over 100,000 gallons of water daily in some counties to sustain their livestock. The financial strain, combined with an anticipated 25% drop in farm income nationwide, has pushed some family farms to sell parts of their operations to remain viable for 2025.
Evan Callicoat of the Ohio Farm Bureau emphasized the significance of the aid. “This funding could save family farms. For an industry running on thin margins and reliant on nature, this relief offers hope,” he said.
The $10 million relief funding will be managed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and distributed through local soil and water districts. This initiative aims to provide timely financial assistance to help farmers recover from one of the most challenging agricultural seasons in recent history.
Ohio’s agriculture sector has shown resilience through difficult times, but this relief package represents a critical step in ensuring the survival of multi-generational family farms and supporting the state’s agricultural economy.
Farmers can now access the resources needed to sustain their operations and prepare for the coming year.
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Categories: Ohio, Business, Livestock