Oklahoma Emergency Drought Assistance Program Opens Applications March 9 for Producers

Oklahoma crop and livestock producers gained access Monday to a new emergency drought assistance program, with applications opening March 9 at local conservation district offices and on the Oklahoma Conservation Commission website. The application window runs through June 30, 2026, and submissions are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Committee voted to approve the program at a meeting reported by multiple outlets as occurring February 24, 2026, though one source placed the approval date on March 3, 2026. The Oklahoma Conservation Commission has not yet published full program guidelines, which are expected to appear soon at conservation.ok.gov/emergency-drought-assistance-program.

Eligible producers may apply for six specific practices: pasture tap, watering facility, pumping plant, pipeline, pond cleanout, and water well. No cost-share rates or payment limits have been publicly released pending the posting of full guidelines on the commission's website.

Oklahoma State Climatologist Gary McManus attended the committee meeting and presented a drought forecast showing the majority of the state under heightened drought conditions. McManus reported that most areas are currently classified as D1, or Moderate Drought, according to the National Drought Monitor. The severity of conditions statewide lent urgency to the committee's vote, with drought coverage elsewhere reported to have climbed above 90 percent of Oklahoma.

Producers in the Texas County region can contact their nearest conservation district office to obtain applications beginning March 9. Several southwest Oklahoma offices are among those accepting submissions. The Jackson County office in Altus is located at 3100 N. Main, Suite A, and can be reached at 580-482-4312, Ext. 3. The Comanche County office operates out of 1606 N.W. Lawton Ave. in Lawton at 580-353-0532. The Grady County office in Chickasha is at 828 W. Choctaw Ave., 405-224-0523. The Harmon County office is at 320 N. Main St. in Hollis, reachable at 580-688-3674. The Greer County office sits at 21619 State Highway 34 in Mangum, 580-782-2787.

Additional offices serving the broader region include Tillman County in Frederick at 102 E. Floral Ave., Suite 1, 580-335-2817 Ext. 3; Cotton County in Walters at 705 W. Missouri Ave., 580-875-3395; and the Washita County office in Cordell at 1505 N. Glenn English, 580-832-6014. The Beckham County office for the North Fork of Red River district is at 902 NE Hwy 66, Ste. C in Sayre, 580-928-3113.

Producers are encouraged to apply early given the first-come, first-served structure and the June 30 deadline, particularly as drought conditions across the state continue to intensify.