Many hoping visit will speed up relief
Climatologists and survivors see comparison to Dust Bowl.
Many hoping visit will speed up relief

By John David Sutter

Published: June 28, 2008

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Terry Peach is planning a visit to the drought-stricken Oklahoma Panhandle next week.

The move is seen as a big deal by conservation officials in Cimarron County, who say the plight of local farmers and ranchers — who face failing wheat crops and who are selling off all of their cattle — has been largely ignored by state government.

"It has helped people emotionally knowing someone is looking at (the drought conditions) — no matter who it is,” said Cherrie Brown, a conservationist at the Natural Resources Conservation Service office in Boise City.

The drought has been compared to the 1930s Dust Bowl by survivors and climatologists. Gary McManus, assistant state climatologist, said severe drought conditions such as those observed now are consistent with predictions for global warming.

After touring the area this week, McManus said it was "shocking” that farmers are able to hold the soil to the ground instead of letting it blow away.

"It looks dead,” he said of the prairie. "It's very shocking to see that whole prairie up there turn that shade of gray.”

Iris Imler, programs coordinator for the Cimarron County Conservation District, said she wishes Peach would bring Gov. Brad Henry with him. The governor's spokesman has said Henry has not planned a trip to the area and has never visited Cimarron County, which is at the western end of the Panhandle.

"I'm glad he's coming so he can see first-hand what's going on,” Imler said of Peach's visit.

Henry has asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare the Panhandle a disaster area, which would bring aid to farmers.

Peach said Friday that designation by the federal designation likely would not come before September. Peach said the state waited on the request because it wants cattle sales that occur this month to be covered by aid programs.

Imler said September would be too late for farmers and ranchers to benefit fully from the aid.

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