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SCDNR asks farmers to share drought information

Staff Report //July 31, 2019//

SCDNR asks farmers to share drought information

Staff Report //July 31, 2019//

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Farmers statewide are being asked to provide updates on drought conditions to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and to tell the agency if their crops are being affected by the amount of rainfall.

The SCDNR is working with the S.C. Department of Agriculture and the National Drought Mitigation Center to monitor conditions in the state, according to a news release from SCDNR.

Farmers are asked to regularly report soil moisture levels, crop and pasture conditions, and rainfall totals. They can use a mobile-friendly tool provided by the NDMC. The more frequently conditions are reported, the more accurate the data agencies can gather to assess each county’s drought status, according to the release.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map is updated weekly and uses data provided by SCDNR, the agriculture department and other agencies.

Reporting drought conditions also helps agencies determine drought response and target federal disaster relief to farmers in affected areas.

Information can be reported by clicking here or by emailing drought@dnr.sc.gov. Submitters can provide contact information and GPS coordinates, or they can remain anonymous.

The South Carolina Drought Committee meets monthly to evaluate the state’s drought status and will next meet Aug. 12.

At a July 15 meeting, the committee determined the status for 35 counties remains incipient.

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