Tue, 04 Oct 2022 21:51:21 CDT
Governor Kevin Stitt signed HB 1006 today to help Oklahoma farmers and ranchers overcome challenges created by this year’s extreme drought conditions. Specifically, the bill appropriates $20 million to the Emergency Drought Relief Fund. HB 1006 went into effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.
“This year’s extreme drought conditions have created unprecedented challenges for our agricultural producers and as governor I will always do everything I can to support Oklahoma’s great farmers and ranchers,” said Governor Stitt. “I am proud to have partnered up with the Legislature to deliver this much-needed relief.”
Agriculture producers across the state are being impacted by the severe drought that has persisted throughout the spring and summer. These funds will allow them to implement conservation practices and provide essential water and forage to livestock to withstand this drought and be prepared in the future.
Read HB 1006 by clicking here.
The state's largest general farm organization was quick to praise the Governor. In the midst of a historic drought, Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel said the additional funding will provide some welcome relief to agricultural producers.
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau members deeply appreciate Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state legislature for appropriating an additional $20 million in drought assistance for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers,” Moesel said. “These funds will help alleviate some of the strain and stress that our members have been facing for months on end.”
“Oklahoma farmers and ranchers are no strangers to our state’s harsh weather conditions, but with no immediate relief in sight, the agriculture community must rally together to support one another and find solutions to carry on our important mission until this natural disaster is over,” he said. “Despite these challenging times, our state’s agricultural producers are resilient and will continue to forge ahead in feeding, clothing and fueling the world.”
The $20 million, added to the initial $3 million allocated to the state’s Emergency Drought Relief Fund, will be used to help producers in sharing the costs of many drought-relief efforts, including pond cleanout, water well drilling and more.
Funds will be distributed across all 77 counties and will be administered by each area’s local conservation district.
Producers needing assistance should reach out to their local conservation district as early as Wednesday, Oct. 5 for more information on the application process.
