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Rockbridge County adopts drought designation resolution to qualify farms for federal aid
Summary
The Board approved a drought‑designation resolution after the county’s extension agent described available USDA programs for livestock and pasture loss and emergency conservation measures that can fund well drilling or water hauling.
Rockbridge County’s Board of Supervisors voted June 22 to adopt a drought designation resolution intended to help farmers qualify for federal assistance amid a “significant deficit” of spring rainfall.
County staff introduced the resolution and said it is a standard measure the board has used in past drought periods to enable access to programs that compensate for hay and crop loss. Tom Stanley, the county extension agent, told the board he recommended adoption and described existing federal programs administered by the Farm Service Agency that provide direct payments for livestock and pasture acreage losses, explain the role of the U.S. Drought Monitor in triggering assistance, and outlined the Emergency Conservation Program funding that can help with well drilling or hauling water.
Stanley also said the resolution’s reference to frost damage helps position specialty crop growers for any future federal appropriation that would sit outside standard crop‑insurance programs. He offered to help constituents prepare documentation and appointments with USDA service centers.
The resolution passed unanimously. Board members thanked Stanley and noted the resolution helps signal that the county is impacted and ready to receive assistance should further federal programs be made available.
What’s next: Stanley invited producers with questions to contact the extension office and said staff will continue to monitor conditions and federal program availability.
