The Emergency Drought Committee in Oklahoma has approved a new program to provide emergency drought assistance to producers in the state. With 79% of the state currently experiencing drought conditions and 35% in extreme drought, this is the driest October on record in Oklahoma history. Eligible producers can apply for assistance when the total area in D1 drought in their county reaches 25%. Applications for the program are open from Nov. 12 – Jan. 31 and can be found at local conservation districts or the Oklahoma Conservation Commission webpage.
The program offers assistance for various practices including pipeline, water well, watering facility, and pond cleanout. The committee previously set a deadline of June 30 for completing pond cleanout projects, but applicants who did not meet this deadline will have priority in the new program. Producers have until Nov. 15 to cancel their application or inform their local conservation district if they have completed or will complete their pond cleanout.
Overall, this new program aims to provide vital support to Oklahoma producers facing the challenges of severe drought conditions. With the state experiencing historic levels of dryness, this assistance will be crucial in helping producers maintain their operations during these tough times.
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