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KEYSER — Dead pastures, dry streambeds, stunted hay fields, stressed corn fields and ponds without water were just part of the scenery viewed by Alfred J. Lewis, West Virginia State executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the USDA, on a recent tour of Mineral County.
While surveying the drought-damaged farms in the area, Lewis contacted Farm Services Agency advisor Donna Alt and her husband Donnie, as well as Pat Patterson, all active Mineral County agricultural producers.
According to Donnie Alt, they pointed out to the state official that their hay crops have been short all year, and the outlook for feed for their livestock this winter is not good.
As Lewis observed, many of the farms are already feeding hay to their livestock, just as they would in the wintertime.
Brookedale Farms is no exception.
“We’re feeding them hay that would normally be kept for winter,” Alt said, noting that he figures “hay prices will be high for the winter and grain prices will also be significantly higher than normal.”
They are currently carrying water to some of the livestock because the streambeds have dried up.
The drought has also had an adverse affect on the vegetable crops.
“It's really affected the corn, as far as the size and how much it's going to yield,” Alt said.
Lewis visited farms in Fort Ashby, Reeses Mill, Headsville and Burlington areas, and noted that the Drought Monitor only reflects damage in the eastern portion of the county at this time.
Intense heat definitely played a role in causing the agricultural damage that was prevalent.
No West Virginia counties have currently been declared disaster areas at this time. The 2008 Farm Bill requires a county be listed on the U. S. Drought Monitor as D2 — severe drought for eight consecutive weeks to be considered eligible to apply for some drought assistance.
The Drought Monitor is updated weekly by the National Weather Service (NWS) National Centers for Environmental Prediction.
The Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency’s efforts include providing direct operating loans for farm equipment, seed and fertilizer. FSA also procures various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs. At the same time, the agency creates jobs by funding the growth and creation of rural businesses and cooperatives.
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture and natural resources and touches the life of every American. USDA is working to enhance availability of broadband, promote the development of renewable energy, to conserve, maintain and improve our natural resources and environment, and promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply.
