Despite a couple of significant rain events earlier in the month, Rockbridge County remains in the throws of a drought that is necessitating relief for farmers.
Tom Stanley, agricultural Extension agent, reported to the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors Monday that 20 applications for emergency wells have been submitted to the USDA from Rockbridge County farmers, and that he knew of probably another 20 farmers whose wells have run dry.
The applications that have been submitted are awaiting final approval at the Virginia USDA Farm Service Agency office in Richmond. Stanley recommended the supervisors approve a letter or resolution requesting expedited approval of the applications for assistance, specifically pointing out that the most recent drought monitor designations do not appear to reflect the severity of the drought’s impacts on springs, streams and wells accumulated over a period of months.
“It’s pretty devastating to walk around [area farms] and see the effects [from the extended drought period],” said David McDaniel, chair of the Board of Supervisors.
“No one is using their wells like they were three months ago,” said Supervisor Leslie Ayers, alluding to conservation measures being practiced at area farms as the drought continues.
Stanley said a monitoring well in Glasgow has recorded historically low water levels. Drought conditions appear to be worse in Rockbridge County than in neighboring counties, he added.
The consensus of the supervisors was to direct staff to write a letter to the Virginia USDA Farm Service Agency as recommended by Stanley to request expedited approval of applications for assistance for farmers to drill new wells.
