BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Belmont County landowners and farmers impacted by last year’s drought have the opportunity to receive financial relief through a newly-established fund.
The program, made possible by bill sponsored by District 95 State Representative Don Jones (R) aims to assist farmers in 28 drought-affected counties across Ohio.
Jones sponsored House Bill 683 to provide $10 million to the Department of Agriculture to be used towards drought mitigation efforts. The funding will be administered through local Soil and Water districts.
Hannah Ulrich, District Program Administrator for Belmont Soil and Water, announced that Belmont County—one of the hardest-hit areas—will receive approximately $900,000 in funding. The money is designated to help landowners and farmers offset drought-related costs.
Ulrich updated the Belmont County Commissioners about the program at their regular Wednesday meeting. Commissioner J.P. Dutton said the drought prevented farmers from cutting their hay more than once last season when they typically cut it three times. The hay is used for livestock feed and is quite expensive and in short supply now, he added.
Ulrich says the application process is straightforward, requiring answers to just three questions. However, applicants must have previously applied for Farm Service Agency funding. The deadline to apply is April 1, and all applications must be submitted in person at the Belmont Soil and Water office.
For more information or to apply, affected landowners and farmers should visit the Belmont Soil and Water office located at the Belmont County Fairgrounds in St. Clairsville before the April 1 deadline.
