Ag Producers Experiencing Economic, Emotional Stress Due To Drought

Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers are feeling economic strain from the drought. 

Sometimes, the economic stress can translate to something more.  

The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association is concerned for the economic well being of their Ag producers and for their emotional well being. 

“The reality is, that that assistance is going to come after they have to make some of these hard decisions,” said Michael Kelsey, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association spokesperson.  

Stockyards like the one in El Reno are seeing a spike in sales as ranchers are having to thin herds they can’t feed.  

It's hard economically and emotionally.  

“It's just hard emotional times, those cattle are very, very important to us. We feed cattle before we open Christmas presents,” Kelsey said.  

He says he anticipates some disaster relief through the USDA as Oklahoma’s flash drought deepens on drought monitors.  

“Let's lean on each other a little bit of the time. again, we’re a very independent lot,” he said.  

Staff at the Oklahoma department of food, agriculture, and forestry tell News9 they are working with their partners to find ways to mitigate the impact of the drought.  

The state agriculture department says the high cost of fuel and fertilizer are making it even harder right now.  

Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agent for support.