West Virginia’s drought emergency has been extended

West Virginia farmers and ranchers are facing one of the worst droughts in 25 years. At Grassy Run Farms in Mason County, millions of soybeans are at stake. The Mountain State produces about 1.4 million bushels of soybeans every year but yields could be lower this year. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, as of Aug. 24, seven counties in West Virginia were in 100% extreme drought. This June and July, only 5.67 inches fell on average across the state. It was the fifth driest on record, according to NOAA. The USDA announced eligible livestock producers in extreme drought areas were able to receive three monthly payments, depending on what animals they own. Governor Jim Justice has also extended the West Virginia drought emergency for another thirty days.