Ohio Congressman Dave Taylor introduced the Improving Drought Monitoring Act, aimed at reauthorizing the USDA’s “Improvements to the Drought Monitor” program and forming a Drought Monitor Interagency Working Group. This group will recommend ways to enhance the accuracy and consistency of drought data. The bill addresses the importance of reliable data for farmers, especially in light of recent drought conditions affecting southern Ohio. Taylor emphasized the necessity of accurate information for agricultural planning and response efforts, urging Congress to include the bill in the upcoming Farm Bill. This legislation calls for a $5 million investment in drought monitoring services, reauthorization through 2030, and strategic coordination among various federal agencies to improve drought responses for farmers across the nation.
