Rep. Jones Discusses Impact of Drought on Farmers

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF-TV) With the recent lack of rain, farmers are feeling the impact on their crops and their animals, and they are having to do more work just to get by.

Many farmers rely on wells, streams and other natural sources for their cattle to drink from and since many of those sources have gone dry, they must haul water to their farm.

Another issue farmers face is how to feed their cattle, since pastures are now brown and dry.  

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best in the ag world. But, you know, I think, you know, being a farmer myself, you know, the damage is already done. And this is a slowly evolving crisis, so to speak, because unlike a flood or tornado, when the event happens, you know, you assess the damage, and you move on. You know, here we are in September. It’s going to take quite a bit of rain to get the ground level moisture levels back up in the ground."

Representative Jones says he only cut his hayfield once this year, when by now it would have been cut at least a few times.

There is some help available to farmers that need it, the USDA has its pasture program which gives money to farmers with pastures and livestock.

There is not, however, much assistance available to those who need to buy hay.

 
Still, representative Jones says for farmers to keep every record, and every receipt should more assistance come.

Even though things are not looking great right now, Jones says he is hopeful that relief will eventually come.