Oklahoma farmers and ranchers wait on the governor's signature for an emergency order

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH)- — Intense drought coupled with skyrocketing hay prices is devastating farmers and ranchers across the state.

Oklahoma's American Farmers and Ranchers Cooperative is asking for the government's help.

There's a few different options on the table, both in the short and long term.

While lawmakers are in special session, Rep. JJ Humphrey, (R)-Lane, suggested adding hay assistance to farmers on the agenda.

But others want something a little more immediate.

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"There is an emergency relief fund that was set up by the legislature in 2013, and that fund is for drought disaster," Scott Blubaugh, President of American Farmers & Ranchers (AMF) said. "And it has about $3M, and that can be activated as soon as the Governor declares an emergency."

That emergency order has been used in the past during a drought around a decade ago.

Blubaugh and AMF wrote a letter to Gov. Kevin Stitt, asking for him to temporarily suspend the rules for width and weight restrictions on hay that's transported through Oklahoma.

Blubaugh added that he thinks that will bring immediate relief for farmers and ranchers.

"These things can literally be done this afternoon," Blubaugh said.

Time is of the essence for farmers dealing with nearly tripling hay prices. Many have to liquidate their cattle.

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Rep. Humphrey is hoping to make use of lawmakers already meeting in special session to introduce new legislation for farmers.

"They're a tough breed. They don't like asking for help. They probably ain't going to ask for help, so I'm going to ask for them," Rep. Humphrey said."I think we need to talk about that we have extra income, we have COVID money, we've got ARPA money."

Besides suspending the hauling rules or offsetting hay costs, another option is sending the National Guard to assist with transportation.

"Using the National Guard in some way on the drought relief makes sense," Blubaugh said. "It could be done. And again that doesn't take action on the state legislature, the Governor can do that."

With the power in his hands, American Farmers and Ranchers are desperately waiting on the governor's signature.

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"Texas has already done this and so has Kansas. Oklahoma is kind of dragging their feet," Blubaugh said.

FOX25 reached out to the Governor's Office asking if there's a reason he hasn't signed off on the order yet.

They put us in touch with the Secretary of Agriculture, Blayne Arthur.

Arthur said they are making decisions based off the drought monitor, but she does not expect the governor to sign the order immediately.

When asked what advice she'd give the 100,000 farmers cited in the letter pleading for relief, she said to make sure you're signed up for FSA programs.

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