With reduced irrigation allotments, curtailed junior water rights, and reservoirs at historic lows, Jefferson County farmers and ranchers are navigating one of the driest and most difficult growing seasons in recent memory.

With 94% of Jefferson County under severe drought and irrigation allotments slashed earlier this spring, local ranchers and growers are making tough late-season decisions as water supplies dwindle heading into fall.

It has been a punishing summer for agriculture across Jefferson County. A combination of low snowpack, above-average temperatures, and state-mandated water curtailments on junior water rights has left many local farmers scrambling to keep their crops alive heading into August.

With 94 percent of Jefferson County in severe drought and a state emergency declaration in place since April, local agricultural producers are facing one of the most difficult summers in recent memory.

With 94 percent of Jefferson County classified under severe drought and Governor Kotek's emergency declaration in place since spring, local farmers and ranchers face a punishing summer with tight water supplies and no relief from rain on the horizon.

With 94% of Jefferson County under a state-declared drought emergency and irrigation districts warning of tighter supplies, Central Oregon's agricultural community is managing one of the most severe drought years on record.

With Jefferson County under a state drought emergency declaration since April and irrigation allotments slashed, local ranchers and farmers are navigating the tightest water supplies in recent memory — with no relief expected before fall.

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is moving from crisis mode to recovery after the Bench Fire burned across the reservation last month. A $300,000-plus recovery fund is now being organized, damage assessments are underway, and the Tribe documented more than 219 individuals and organizations that contributed aid.

With 86 percent of Oregon currently in some form of drought and water curtailments squeezing irrigation districts across Central Oregon, Jefferson County farmers and ranchers are managing one of the most difficult growing seasons in recent memory — all while navigating record heat and wildfire smoke.

With crops in the ground and harvest approaching, Jefferson County farmers are navigating one of the tightest irrigation seasons in recent memory — a consequence of record-low snowpack and pre-season cuts to water allotments from the North Unit Irrigation District.

Federal emergency management officials reversed course last week and approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant for the Rowe Creek Complex fire, unlocking federal funds to help cover the staggering costs of battling the 344,000-acre blaze.