Sharp, Baxter and Fulton Counties have now been added to the list categorized as D3 by the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) as of July 21.
According to NIDIS, this classifies ad extreme drought.
“Pastures are depleted, hay is short, cattle are sold. There are more insects than normal, trees show drought stress and wildlife are seeking food and water (outside of normal territories),” NIDIS said.
Additionally, water shortages are noted and the water table is slow with stock ponds dry.
The determination follows severe lack of rain.
In an effort to ease the stress placed on farmers, Governor Asa Hutchinson sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 15 requesting a natural disaster be declared.
If granted, the declaration would free up funds to be used to help provide relief to farmers.
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