HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-23-2007-7bORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 23, 2007
Action Agenda
Item No. ~_
SUBJECT: Agricultural Drought Situation
DEPARTMENT: NC Cooperative Extension PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen J. McAdams -919-245-2050
Dr. Fletcher Barber, Jr. - 919-245-2050
PURPOSE: To report on the preliminary effects of the drought on Orange County agricultural
producers and efforts to assist farmers.
BACKGROUND: The combination of extended drought and high temperatures this spring and
summer has left Orange County farmers reeling. The County's livestock producers, including
beef, dairy, horses, sheep and goats, depend heavily on pasture grazing and locally grown hay
for feed. Hay yields for the spring cuttings were only about 50% of normal yields and fall
cuttings have been virtually nonexistent. In addition, the prolonged dry weather has dried up
pastures that animals usually graze on, requiring growers to begin feeding hay in July that
should have been reserved for winter feeding. In average years, hay feeding often does not
begin until November or December.
Producers are faced with the dilemma of having to buy hay and grain or sell breeding cattle.
Since there is almost no excess local hay, livestock producers must also pay high freight costs
to get hay delivered. Many cattle producers have sold some of their breeding animals and
more will be sold soon. Horse owners, who usually purchase their hay from local farmers, are
purchasing out of state hay at prices that are often double the amount paid last year. Water
supplies for livestock are also drying up, with over 25 beef and dairy producers hauling water to
cattle because of dry wells, creeks and ponds.
Crop producers have also fared poorly, with low yields for most crops including tobacco, corn,
and soybeans. Many corn and soybean growers had a complete loss with no grain yields.
Some growers have salvaged fields for cattle feed. Vegetable and fruit growers have also had
losses because of excessive heat and drought. In addition, there have been increased
expenses for irrigation of vegetables, sod and ornamentals. Sales have decreased for
ornamental shrub and flower growers as well as sod farmers. Business for landscapers has
also been severely curtailed.
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The financial impact on the agricultural community will be severe and long lasting far after the
drought ends. Details of assistance to farmers by Cooperative Extension and other County
agencies will be outlined at the meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the report on the
agricultural drought situation and provide any questions or comments to staff.