Farmers Around Oklahoma Feel The Impact Of The Drought Heading Into Summer

Some areas in Oklahoma are already feeling the effects of the drought heading into Summer.

Oklahoma Farm Bureau State YF&R Co-Chair Alisen Anderson says after experiencing a drought last year, the state is now in need of regular rain to help crops this season. Heading into summer 2023, farmers and ranchers are trying to get back what they lost during last year’s drought.

Many of them saw a major decrease in wheat and grass produced for their livestock.

Anderson says farmers and ranchers are being cautiously optimistic for what this season will hold.

For many, their wheat and grass are still degraded from last year because of the heat and lack of moisture. This means many of the crops aren’t taking in nutrients like they should, and that’s affecting their growth so far this year.

According to the U.S Drought Monitor, 3/4 of Oklahoma is now in a drought, with the Northeastern and western parts of the state a specific concern right now.

Anderson says it’s concerning for farmers seeing decreased growth in their crops.

The uncertainty of this season is making it difficult for them to figure out when is the best time to fertilize so the crops grow and be properly moisturized. Some ranchers are having to decide if they can even keep their livestock.

“On the livestock side a lot of folks are going to have to make decisions on different cattle on pasture. Pulling those cattle off of pasture or unfortunately a lot of folks are trying to decide if it’s time to get out of the cow calf operation in general because there is not a lot of grass. Plus a lot of folk have had to sell their cattle, sell all of livestock because they simply cannot feed them and so that’s extremely concerning for in my opinion the state of Oklahoma because it’s something that’s pretty emotional to those farmers and ranchers," Anderson, said.

Anderson recommends farmers pull soil samples and study them to determine how they can better help their crops grow.

In addition, farmers and ranchers can get involved in their county farm service agencies to help navigate any challenges.