Pederson, Patzkowsky Bill Leads to Emergency Drought Committee’s New Program

OKLAHOMA CITY – On Monday, the Emergency Drought Committee approved a new program to deliver critical drought relief for Oklahoma agricultural producers. The application period opens on Nov. 12 and will remain open through Jan. 31, 2025. Applications will be available at local conservation districts and on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website starting Nov. 12.

Sen. Roland Pederson, R-Burlington, and Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, authored HB3182, the legislation which made this program possible. The bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to declare drought conditions, opening the path to distributing emergency funds pending committee approval.

“Drought has hit our producers hard this year, and they need timely support to keep operations running,” Pederson said. “This new assistance program is designed to offer immediate, practical relief to those impacted by severe drought. From helping to secure water resources to addressing infrastructure needs, this program will be a critical tool in ensuring that Oklahoma’s producers can weather these conditions and continue to drive our agricultural economy.”

To qualify, producers must be in counties where 25 percent or more of the land area is categorized as D1 drought or worse, as indicated by the National Drought Monitor. Each Thursday at 9 a.m., the Oklahoma Conservation Commission will publish an updated list of eligible counties to local conservation districts.

Eligible producers may apply for assistance with several practices, including pipeline installation, heavy-use protection areas, water wells, pumping plants, watering facilities, pasture taps, and pond cleanouts.

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Roland Pederson at 405-521-5630, or email Roland.Pederson@oksenate.gov.