OKLAHOMA CITY — The Emergency Drought Committee met Friday to review the recently announced emergency drought assistance program following recent rainfall across Oklahoma.
In the last 10 days, 56 of 77 counties have received four or more inches of rain, according to the Oklahoma Mesonet. All but two Oklahoma counties have received at least one inch of rain since October 29. Despite the significant rainfall, more than 67 percent of Oklahoma remains in some degree of drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map of Oklahoma released Thursday.
“This committee’s job is to get relief to farmers and ranchers who’ve been impacted by drought,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur. “At the same time, it’s important for this committee to use state dollars efficiently and responsibly. Data from the drought monitor and input from producers shows us there is still significant impact as well as opportunity to prepare for future drought.”
The program designed to provide emergency drought assistance to Oklahoma producers begins accepting applications Tuesday, Nov. 12. The program was approved by the Emergency Drought Committee on Oct. 28.
Producers are eligible to apply for the program when the total area in D1 drought in their county reaches 25 percent as reported by the National Drought Monitor. The initial list of eligible counties will be determined based on the National Drought Monitor map from October 29.
Eligible producers may apply for the following practices: pipeline, heavy use protection area, water well, pumping plant, watering facility, pasture tap, and pond cleanout.
Applications will be available Nov. 12 at local conservation districts and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website.
