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0 Drought Situation in Orange County — July 24, 2002 By Karen J. McAdams, Agricultural Extension Agent Farmers in Orange County have been severely affected by the drought so far this year. Some localized showers have helped certain areas of the county with certain crops but very significant losses have already occurred even if normal rainfall takes place for the rest of the year. Below is an overall status report: Beef Producers - About 80% of producers have very little grass in their pastures and are feeding hay right now that is meant for winter- feeding. This short supply of forage is further aggravated by the fact that the first cutting of hay was only about 50% or less yield of a normal year. Many beef producers have sold their feeder calves earlier than usual and at lighter weights (for less income). In addition, a large percentage of beef cattle farmers are selling cows to reduce the need for hay. A few producers have already sold 25% of their breeding herd, with a couple selling over 50 %. Beef producers are going to have to buy hay and feed to maintain their breeding herds as well as incur additional expenses in planting some emergency winter small grain crops to try to graze. Dairy Producers — Most dairy farms already have sustained considerable losses on their corn silage crops. Yields will likely be down 50% or more over the entire county on corn silage. Small grain harvested for silage was also affected by the dry winter and spring. Winter feed supplies will be very short and a great deal of additional feed will have to be bought to make up for the low yields. Field Crops — Tobacco crops look pretty good in Cedar Grove and Caldwell on farms who could irrigate. Non - irrigated tobacco is very short and yields could be down considerably depending on further rainfall. The stress- from the heat and drought has brought on some significant disease problems on some farms. Corn to be combined for grain has taken a very hard hit, and the soybean crop is very poor overall. Late soybeans had very poor stands and some died when they were just coming up. Very poor yields are likely on these crops Vegetables, etc. — Fruits and vegetables that have been irrigated have done fairly well, but some people have run out of irrigation water and will have reduced income because of reduced yields and quality. Water - Ponds, creeks and wells for livestock watering are dry on some farms. Several farmers have sold cattle because of lack of water while some are hauling water to their cattle. Irrigation ponds are at low levels for the most part for irrigating crops. Total Losses — Lost income to farmers will not be known until we see how long the drought lasts. Many farmers have already sustained estimated losses of $20,000 - $50,000 on their operations.