| CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) is urging livestock producers to take proactive steps as drought conditions continue to impact much of the state. To prevent long-term damage to pastureland, WVDA recommends confining cattle if feeding hay and reducing grazing pressure until rainfall improves conditions. Overgrazing during drought can weaken forage stands, making it more difficult for pastures to recover. Hancock County cooperators are eligible for cost share funding up to $500 from the Agriculture Enhancement Exigency program. Materials eligible for cost share include irrigation water supply, livestock water supply, temporary fence, revegetation of feeding area and crop establishment, according to the Northern Panhandle Conservation District. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 25. Those seeking assistance or further information should call the NPCD at 304-238-1231 or Conservation Specialist Jessica Otte at304-206-2899. Local farmer Jim Anderson has applied for the funding to get water into other fields so cattle can rotate. According to Shelly Anderson, many farmers are spending more money now (with drought conditions) buying protein and feeding hay already because the grass dried up so quickly. Many farmers did not get a second cutting of hay because the summer was so dry meaning they may have to purchase hay for their livestock to cover the winter. Shelly says they use protein tubs that cows lick to get their nutrients. “When grass dries up the cows can’t graze,” she said and we have to rotate livestock to other fields quicker.” . As of September 18, 2025, ten West Virginia counties are classified in D3 (Extreme Drought): Hancock, Brooke, Barbour, Braxton, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas, Randolph, Upshur and Lewis. The remainder of the state is also experiencing worsening dry conditions. The WVDA will continue to work with state and federal partners to identify additional resources and provide support to farmers if conditions worsen. For more information and drought resources, visit https://agriculture.wv. |
Hancock is one of ten Counties in Extreme Drought Status
