Parts of 6 S.C. counties declared in extreme drought

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The U.S. Drought Monitor has moved parts of six S.C. counties, including Richland and Lexington, into the extreme drought category.

The D3 classification will allow certain farmers with cattle on pastured land to apply for relief payments through the federal Livestock Forage Program, according to a news release from the S.C. Department of Agriculture.

The department has received reports of insect infestations, reduced crop yields and dry pasture, but said no comparative drought data will be available until harvest season ends.

“Farms across many parts of the state are suffering the effects of hot weather and not enough rain,” S.C. Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers said. “Slightly lower temperatures this week should provide some relief, but this drought is tough on our South Carolina farmers.”

Portions of Richland, Lexington, Kershaw, Calhoun, Orangeburg and Bamberg counties were moved into the extreme drought category on Oct. 3.

Farmers can report drought conditions online.