Barhorst Addresses Drought in the 85th District, Offers Resources

COLUMBUS- State Representative Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Loramie) announced that a report released by the National Drought Mitigation Center revealed that additional portions of Ohio and the entire 85th House District, Shelby, Champaign, and Logan counties are experiencing a severe drought.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows parts of the U.S. currently experiencing these conditions. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3), and exceptional (D4).  Champaign and Logan counties are a D3, qualifying the area for assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). Shelby County is currently a D2.

“As the district continues to manage severe drought conditions, my office remains in constant contact with the Department of Agriculture,” said Barhorst. “Now is the time to support our dedicated farmers who are experiencing hardships and urge them to document issues and report them to the USDA Ohio FSA.”

When a county is at a level D3 or above, residents qualify for federal assistance programs. A list of resources, including USDA disaster assistance programs, can be found at https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/administration/resources/2024-Ohio-Drought. 

“I encourage everyone in our local agricultural community to take the time to review the resources available and share this vital information with others,” Barhorst continued.

Representative Barhorst will continue to provide updates and resources as conditions develop.