Drought disaster designation open emergency loan assistance to area farmers

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Farmers in Warren and Rappahannock counties may now be eligible for emergency assistance following a federal disaster designation related to drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial natural disaster designation covering areas of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.

The designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to eligible producers recovering from drought-related losses.

Emergency loans can help farmers replace essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganize their farming operations, or refinance certain qualifying debts.

The Farm Service Agency will review applications based on the extent of the losses, available security and the producer’s ability to repay the loan.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, affected counties experienced severe drought conditions for at least eight consecutive weeks during the growing season, or reached extreme or exceptional drought levels.

The disaster is classified as a drought fast-track designation.

Eligible farmers have until March 31st, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance.

Producers in Warren and Rappahannock counties who experienced drought-related losses are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office for information about eligibility and the application process.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Drought Warning Expands Across Virginia

Despite recent rain, most of Virginia is now under a drought warning advisory.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality says the warning now includes 94 counties and 33 cities, including much of the Shenandoah Valley.

Officials say groundwater levels and river flows have dropped to emergency levels and could worsen as summer approaches. The dry conditions are already affecting agriculture and increasing wildfire risks.

Residents are being urged to conserve water and remain aware of local fire conditions.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

VA Spring Fire Season arrives

Virginia Department of Forestry used by permission from VDF Communication Specialist Cory Swift-Turner

The Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) announces the start of spring fire season and reminds residents that the state’s annual 4 p.m. burning law takes effect February 15th through April 30th.

The law prohibits outdoor burning between midnight and 4 p.m. within 300 feet of woods or dry grass.

Violations are a Class 3 misdemeanor and can carry fines up to $500.

Violators can also be responsible for liability of damages if a fire escapes.

The law does not apply to charcoal or gas-fired barbecue grills.

To learn more about Virginia’s 4 p.m. burning law, visit DOF’s website.

Officials say despite recent winter storms, dry conditions have already led to dozens of wildfires this year.

Residents are urged to follow safety precautions, check for local burn bans, and call 911 immediately if a fire gets out of control.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Weatherwise, December 2025

This month, we’ll have updates on the drought situation, look at a study linking air pollution with dementia, we’ll check in on Hurricane season, take a look at this winter’s weather in the Mid-Atlantic and answer a listener’s question about Atmospheric rivers.

Widespread drought eliminated

lightning

Much needed rainfall recently has helped with the drought.

There is currently no widespread drought across the area according to the US Weather Service in Blacksburg.

Storms continue throughout the weekend and into next week.

High moisture content along with daily heating will allow storms to produce heavy rainfall at times.

This could cause flash flooding, as most of the area is expected to see at least 1-2″ of rainfall, with locally higher amounts under the heaviest storms.

This pattern continues into next week.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Weatherwise Podcast, May 2025

We’ll update the drought situation in the Shenandoah Valley, we’ll take a look at air pollution and our bodies, we’ll be reminded that Mama is always right about lightning and we’ll follow hurricane debris to it’s final resting place . 

Weatherwise, March 2025

We’ll update the drought situation in the Shenandoah Valley, we’ll look at a couple of early Spring forecasts for our area, we’ll discuss FEMA and the “Waffle House index” and we’ll ask how many of you have ever heard of a gasoline plant (Hint: you may some in your yard).

Open air burning prohibited throughout the Shenandoah Valley

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Effective Friday, November 1, 2024, all open-air burning is prohibited in Front Royal and Warren County and much of the Shenandoah Valley.

This order, issued by the Fire Marshal, is in response to severe drought conditions
affecting the area.

Under this ban, no one may kindle, maintain, or authorize any open burning, including bonfires, ceremonial fires, and camping fires.

However, barbecue grills, smokers, and devices that emit smoke through a chimney or stack are exempt from this regulation.

This measure will remain in effect until further notice.

Residents are urged to comply with this important safety directive.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.