Ohio Farm Bureau has been keeping close tabs on conditions across the state through the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor. As the 2024 summer progressed, it was the first time that “exceptional drought” conditions were recognized in Ohio, and the coverage area for “extreme drought” was the largest since the inception of the drought monitor in 2000.

If you have been impacted by the drought, please contact your local Farm Service Agency.

Farm Bureau has worked closely with state and federal agencies, as well as The Ohio State University, to collect all of the available resources for those stricken by the drought conditions and is sharing those resources with members through various channels.

Listed are links to the latest news and ways members can access assistance should they need it, including an Ohio Hay Directory created by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

USDA/FSA/ODA Links

Connecting with Ohio FSA offices for drought assistance

A complete list of USDA disaster assistance programs

Ohio Department of Agriculture’s drought resources

Ohio State University Extension Links

Ohio State University Extension’s resource page for farmers

Nationwide Links

Prepare for drought with an effective drought plan

Prevent hay bale fires with year-round vigilance and action

Check on Your Neighbor

  • Call or check in on your neighbor down the road. We need to check on each other now more than ever.
  • Ask for help, professionals throughout the state are ready to assist. For more information visit ODA’s Got Your Back program.

Quick Tips

  • Maintain records of all expenses – hay purchases/hauling, water purchases/hauling, equipment, etc.
  • Contact your county Farm Service Agency to be sure your challenges are on record.
  • Use this tool submit a Condition Monitoring Observer Report about drought related conditions.
  • Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District with any additional questions you may have.

 

New and beginning farmers
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Greg McGlinch's avatar
Greg McGlinch

Darke County Farm Bureau

Growing Tomorrow Grant
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
Nathan and Jill Parriman's avatar
Nathan and Jill Parriman

Clermont County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Youth pathways in Farm Bureau
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
Wyatt Morrow's avatar
Wyatt Morrow

Clinton County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Select Partner Program
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Advocacy
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

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