With hay production dropping drastically, now is the time to think about strip grazing our hay fields instead of attempting to get a second cutting. Following these tips, we may be able to extend our grazing season a bit longer while also reducing our cost operating the equipment for little reward.
Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation
to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses
for covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage
crop acreage of native and improved pastureland with permanent
vegetative cover or acreage planted specifically for grazing.
Grazing losses must occur on land physically located in a county
experiencing a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period
for the county.
LFP also provides compensation to eligible livestock producers that
have covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage
crop acreage on rangeland managed by a federal agency if the
eligible livestock producer is prohibited by the federal agency from
grazing the normal permitted livestock on the manage rangeland
due to a qualifying fire.
The qualifying drought and qualifying grazing losses, and/or
notification of prohibition to graze Federal land due to fire, must
have occurred in the grazing period and crop year. For grazing losses
on rangeland managed by a federal agency, an eligible livestock
producer may elect to receive assistance for losses due to drought
conditions or fire conditions, if applicable, but not both.
LFP is administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The Emergency Drought Relief Reimbursement Grant Program, administered by the Office of the
Governor, will provide financial assistance, in the form of reimbursement of eligible and
reasonable expenses, to state, regional, county, and municipal agencies, including fire departments,
that are providing assistance to maintain necessary irrigation and livestock water supplies in
response to the extreme drought conditions present in certain counties of this State. The objective
of the program is to mitigate negative impacts of the drought by supporting the transportation of
necessary irrigation and livestock water supplies and to cover the reasonable expenses incurred by
such public agencies, including fire departments, as they assist in reducing drought-related harm
to farmers and agricultural operations in affected areas of this State.
Mason County Contacts:
WVU Extension 304-675-0888
Natural Resource Conservation Service: 304-675-2020 extension 3
Western Conservation District: 304-675-3054
Looking for hay?
Please contact your WVU Extension Office for a list of Ohio hay producers.
Mental Health For Farmers
Farmers and ranchers in the U.S. have demanding jobs that are often compounded by economic uncertainty, vulnerability to weather events, and isolation. Rural agricultural communities may also have limited access to healthcare and mental health services, which can make it difficult for farm and ranch families to receive support when they are experiencing extreme stress, anxiety, depression, or another mental health crisis. Addressing mental health challenges is critical so that farmers can successfully navigate other stressors that are common in their day-to-day lives.
For immediate mental health needs, please contact one of these national hotlines:
-
Farm Aid Hotline
800-FARM-AID (327-6243)
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern -
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24/7 - 2-1-1, a comprehensive hotline that connects callers with local resources