MADRAS, OR -- Jefferson County plans to ask the state for a drought declaration, following similar declarations given to Crook and Deschutes counties.

County Commissioner Mike Ahern tells KBND the board heard from those most impacted by dry conditions at their last meeting. "Especially the people proposing this, the ranchers," Ahern says. "Basically, the pasture land they contract with or they have themselves is not producing the feed they need. This declaration will provide them with the opportunity to get some funding and answer some of their questions."

Ahern says commissioners are anxious to get the process underway. "We probably were a little bit late to do this because it takes time once it gets to Salem, so we want to get it going. Like I said, it's the ranchers. The irrigated farmers will have a decent year this year, but they're also concerned about another dry drought in the wintertime. It could put them in a bigger pinch, as well."

Commissioners will vote today whether to submit a drought declaration request to the state. Governor Kate Brown could act on such a request in the next couple of weeks.