Robert Fields | WVOW News
WEST VIRGINIA While portions of West Virginia are seeing some precipitation with more in the forecast, conditions more broadly across the Mountain State are still raising concerns of drought.
According to State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, ninety-five percent of the state is under a D-1, which indicates moderate drought conditions. D-4 being what is considered “exceptional drought,” the U.S. Drought Monitor website says most of central West Virginia is experiencing D-2 – or severe – conditions and a vast majority of the eastern panhandle is seeing a D-3, or extreme drought.
“The crops aren’t growing and the pasture’s not growing to replenish as farmers rotate their animals,” he said.
“They’re starting to feed hay already in many parts of the state and that’s their winter food supply, so we’re eating into the winter feed supply right now.”
While farmers in the state do have some irrigation to help water their crops and the state has programs for developing its springs and installing larger watering tanks in case of emergency, Leonhardt says farmers still rely on the rain.
As a result of these drought conditions, some farmers are faced with tough decisions. Currently, the price of beef is elevated, Lenohardt saying farmers could get a good price if they feel they have to sell. However, he added selling breeding stock will inevitably mean a reduction in revenue for the next year.
Last week, Governor Jim Justice declared a Drought State of Emergency in all fifty-five counties in West Virginia. Leonhardt said he’s spoken with federal and state partners and is encouraging farmers to check with their local Farm Service Agency office or Soil Conservation Service to determine what, if any, programs they can qualify for to get the help they need. Some services farmers may qualify for include reimbursement for hauling water to livestock or compensation for crops lost in the ongoing drought conditions.
While the forecast calls for rainfall this week in some parts of the state, Leonhardt noted any huge downpour would simply wash away the dry, parched top soil, hoping instead to see a long, slow and steady rain to soften the soil.
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