Some relief may be in sight for farmers struggling to feed herds after Gov. Asa Hutchinson sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture requesting a natural disaster be declared for Arkansas due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
On July, 15, Hutchinson sent the letter citing the impact of the $19.4 billion industry and its impact on the economy.
In Arkansas, one out of every six jobs are related to agriculture.
Currently, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows statewide drought with many areas of the state repeatedly experiencing temperatures of 100 or higher and little to no rain.
KARK reported this statement from Hutchinson, “These conditions are weighing heavily on Arkansas’s agricultural producers and rural communities,” the governor states. “Hay production has stalled, with many producers not getting a second cutting, forcing them to seek alternative sources or reduce their herd. Sales at Arkansas livestock markets are up significantly over the past month. Row crops are requiring significantly higher levels of irrigation which increases production costs and stresses irrigation equipment and water supplies. Wildfire danger is at a 10-year high in Arkansas, with 53 of the state’s 75 counties under burn bans.”
As of July 20, nearly all 75 counties in Arkansas are under a burn ban.
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
