Need help getting your Ag operation through the drought? Let us help you!
Contact WSU Extension in Colville at: (509) 684-2588 (8:00 – Noon & 1:00 – 4:30 M-F)
Livestock in a Drought
Drought and your Livestock – Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Drought Resources from the USDA
- USDA Designates 18 Counties in Washington as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
- Drought Prompts Federal Assistance for Farmers and Ranchers in Stevens County
Drought Resources from WA State
WA Dept. of Ecology 2015 Drought Site
2015 Drought Response Video WA Dept of Ecology (Webinar recorded Aug 2015)
- Dead space prior to start of the webinar (0:00 min – 4:58 min)
- History of 2015 drought and comparison with other years (4:58 min – 16:52 min)
- Summary of drought effects in WA State (16:52 min – 23:26 min)
- Summary of Dept of Ecology response to drought (23:26 min – 26:57 min)
- Water outlook for through 2016 (26:57 min – 29:02 min)
- Available Drought Funding Assistance (29:02 min – 33:02 min)
- How to apply for financial drought assistance (33:02 min – 37:55 min)
- Application Review Process (37:55 min – 39:44 min)
- Example Projects already funded, 2005 Goldendale, WA (33:02 min – 40:33 min)
- Funding Timeline (40:33 min – 42:45 min)
- Contacts for Drought Coordinator (42:45 min – 45:38 min)
- Questions and Answers (43:45 min – 45:38 min)
How to Apply for a Department of Ecology Drought Relief Loan or Grant
- Go to the Dept of Ecology Water Resources Program Funding Opportunities web page
- Scroll down to the “How do I apply?” section. Application information and instruction links are available there.
- Click on the link: Drought Relief Grant/Loan Application
Drought Resources Available from WSU Extension
Nitrate Poisoning Due To Drought-Stressed Forage Crops
Some forage plants can accumulate excess nitrogen when they’re stressed by drought or other factors. If animals consume too much nitrogen from forage or water, nitrogen poisoning can occur. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “Oat Hay Poisoning”. Oats and other grain-hay crops have a tendency toward nitrate accumulation, as do many weeds, including Pig Weed, Lambs Quarter, and thistles. It’s recommended that you test for nitrate levels in grain or weedy hay grown under drought conditions.
Nitrate Poisoning-Related Document Links
- Nitrate Poisoning in Ruminants – Washington State University Extension
- Nitrate Toxicity of Montana Forages – Montana State Extension
- Nitrate Poisoning – Colorado State Extension
Quick-Testing Available from Stevens County Extension
Qualitative Forage Testing is available free of charge for hay growers in Stevens County. This is a quick test that shows if your hay is of concern and should be tested by a qualified lab.
Contact WSU Extension to schedule a quick test, at (509) 684-2588
More Information about the Nitrate Testing program used by WSU Stevens County Extension (from MSU Extension)
WSU State-Wide Drought Resources Page (From AgWeatherNet)
Availability of Water for Ag in Stevens County
Colville River Annual Flows from National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Water Rights in Washington State
- Landowners Guide to Water Rights in Washington State (Washington Rivers Conservancy)
- Water Resources Web Site – WA Dept. of Ecology
- Water Resource Inventory Area 59 (WRIA 59) – Colville River Watershed