When the Weather Won’t Cooperate: Drought Resources for North Carolina Farmers

North Carolina farmers are facing challenging growing conditions as drought and extreme heat affect communities across the state. Dry conditions can create difficult decisions for farmers, from managing irrigation and livestock water to protecting crops, maintaining pasture and planning for potential losses.

If your farm is being affected by drought, you don't have to navigate it alone. North Carolina has state agencies, Cooperative Extension specialists, conservation districts and federal programs that can provide information, technical assistance and, depending on the program and eligibility, financial assistance.

First: Know Your Local Drought Conditions

The North Carolina Drought Management Advisory Council (DMAC) tracks drought conditions across the state and provides current drought maps, agricultural information, water resource conditions and drought advisories.

Checking your county's drought classification is a good first step when evaluating how current conditions may be affecting your farm.

Resources:

As drought conditions can change from week to week, farmers should check the current map for the most recent information.

Need Help Managing Your Farm During Drought?

NC State Cooperative Extension

NC State Extension has created a dedicated Drought Resources hub for agricultural producers.

The resource center includes information on:

Crop and vegetable production
Livestock and forage management
Water resources and irrigation
Farm management and economics
Disaster assistance
Agricultural programs
Drought related crop and livestock guidance

Resources:

Farmers can also use Extension to connect with their local Cooperative Extension office for assistance specific to their operation. NC State Extension's agricultural drought resources include information on assistance programs, crop production, livestock and forage, and water and irrigation.

Looking for Water Related Assistance?

Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP)

North Carolina's Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP) is administered through the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission and local soil and water conservation districts.

The program is designed to help increase:

Water use efficiency
Water availability
Agricultural water storage
Water conservation
Long term agricultural resilience

Depending on eligibility and available funding, AgWRAP can support agricultural water resource projects and conservation practices.

Resources:

For the current FY2027 regional application process, applications opened July 29, 2026, and regional applications are due November 13, 2026.

Tip: Contact your local Soil & Water Conservation District to discuss whether AgWRAP may be appropriate for your farm.

Experiencing Crop, Livestock or Forage Losses?

USDA Farm Service Agency

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers programs that may provide assistance to agricultural producers experiencing qualifying losses from drought and other natural disasters.

For livestock producers, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) can provide assistance to eligible producers experiencing grazing losses caused by qualifying drought or fire conditions.

Other disaster assistance programs may also be available depending on the type of loss and the producer's operation.

Resources:

North Carolina's FSA office provides information about loans, conservation, disaster recovery and income support programs.

Important: Program eligibility and deadlines vary. Farmers should contact their local FSA office as soon as possible to discuss their situation and any applicable deadlines.

Conservation Assistance for Your Farm

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

NRCS can help producers evaluate conservation needs and develop plans that may improve soil and water management and long term farm resilience.

Potential areas of assistance can include:

Soil health
Water management
Irrigation
Erosion prevention
Livestock related conservation practices
Long term drought resilience

Resources:

NRCS recommends starting with your local field office. Technical assistance is available at no cost, and financial assistance may be available for eligible conservation practices.

Need Hay or Forage?

NC Hay Finder

Drought can quickly reduce pasture growth and forage availability.

NC Hay Finder, provided through NC State Extension, is a free online marketplace that connects hay buyers and sellers across North Carolina.

Resource:

NC Hay Finder

NC State Extension also provides drought specific livestock resources, including information about alternative feeds, forage management and drought related livestock concerns.

What Should Farmers Keep Track Of?

If drought is affecting your operation, keeping good records can be helpful when talking with Extension, USDA, insurance providers or other assistance programs.

Consider documenting:

Rainfall and weather conditions
Crop planting dates
Crop damage or reduced yields
Photos of affected fields and crops
Livestock and forage impacts
Irrigation and water use information
Additional expenses caused by drought
Hay or feed purchases
Communications with agricultural agencies or advisors

Good records can help you clearly explain what your farm has experienced when discussing potential assistance or recovery options.

Not Sure Where to Start?

You don't have to figure out which agency is right for you before asking for help.

A Simple Starting Point

1. Check your drought classification.
NC Drought Management Advisory Council

2. Talk with an agricultural expert.
NC State Cooperative Extension

3. Need help with agricultural water resources?
NCDA&CS AgWRAP

4. Experiencing agricultural losses?
USDA Farm Service Agency: North Carolina

5. Looking for conservation assistance?
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

6. Looking for hay or forage?
NC Hay Finder

Drought Affects More Than the Farm

When farms experience drought, the effects can extend beyond the field.

Reduced harvests can mean fewer products available at farmers markets, food hubs and local retailers. Livestock producers may face increased feed costs. Consumers may see changes in availability and pricing. Organizations working to increase local food access may also have fewer locally grown products available.

That is why connecting farmers with resources is an important part of strengthening our local food system.