Emergency Drought Committee approves assistance program

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The Emergency Drought Committee in Oklahoma has approved a new program to provide emergency drought assistance to producers in the state. The application period will open on March 9 and run through June 30, 2026. Eligible producers may apply for various drought-related practices such as pasture taps, watering facilities, pumping plants, pipelines, pond cleanouts, and water wells.

Why it matters

Oklahoma has been experiencing heightened drought conditions, with most areas of the state classified as being in moderate drought according to the National Drought Monitor. This new assistance program aims to help producers in the state cope with the impacts of the drought on their operations.

The details

The Emergency Drought Committee met on February 24 and voted to approve the new emergency drought assistance program. The application will be available through local conservation districts and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website starting on March 9. Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus attended the meeting and reported that most of the state is currently under moderate drought conditions.

• The Emergency Drought Committee met on February 24 to approve the new program.
• The application period for the program will open on March 9 and run through June 30, 2026.

What’s next

The full program guidelines will be available soon on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission's website at conservation.ok.gov/emergency-drought-assistance-program/.