Wednesday, July 25, 2012
COLUMBUS — Gov. John Kasich signed an executive order today seeking assistance for Ohio farmers struggling through drought conditions that, for some areas, have led to total rainfall up to nine inches below normal.
The governor and Agriculture Director Dave Daniels announced the steps, including potentially allowing producers to cut grass in state-owned rights-of-way along roads for use as livestock feed.
"The drought really has been frankly devastating to Ohio farmers," the governor told an audience at the state fair, noting that more than half of Ohio crops are rated either "poor" or "very poor" and 90 percent-plus of the state's topsoil does not have sufficient moisture for crop growth.
The governor added, "We've had just terrible weather as it relates to our agricultural community. The heat is one thing, but when the heat does not bring rain, you have a real crisis. ... It's a terrible time for Ohio farmers."
The executive order, directs state officials to request assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a move that would allow farmers to access loan and other drought-related programs.
For the complete story, read Thursday's Vindicator and Vindy.com