Farmers in Fulton County are grappling with dwindling water sources as ongoing heat and a lack of significant rainfall take a toll on the region. Creeks and ponds, critical for livestock hydration, are running dangerously low or have dried up altogether, leading stockmen to look elsewhere for solutions.
Anna Barnett, Fulton County Extension Agent, said her office has seen an influx of calls from farmers asking for guidance from the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Similar concerns have been reported by Cory Tyler, a soil conservationist with the local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office in Salem, who noted that his office is fielding calls about how to best cope with the challenging conditions.
The National Weather Service offered little reassurance, forecasting only a slim 20% chance of isolated sprinkles in the area. Even if rain does occur, meteorologists say any precipitation will be minimal and short-lived, leaving no substantial impact on the area’s dry landscape.
With no immediate relief in sight, local farmers are left to navigate the hardships of maintaining healthy livestock during an extended period of drought conditions and excessive heat.