Jefferson County farmers and ranchers are deep into what state officials are calling one of Oregon's worst drought years in at least a decade — and the impacts are being felt across the region's agricultural backbone.
Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought emergency for Jefferson County in April through Executive Order 26-07, citing record-low snowpack, one of the warmest winters in state history, and multi-year precipitation deficits. At the time of the declaration, 94 percent of Jefferson County was in severe drought, with the remainder in moderate drought. The declaration covers Crook, Grant, Jackson, Jefferson, Morrow, and Wallowa counties and marks the second drought emergency issued in Oregon in 2026.
Irrigation Shutoffs Ripple Across the Region
The effects have been cascading across Central Oregon's water delivery systems. Arnold Irrigation District, which serves parts of the region, announced a complete shutdown of water deliveries earlier this summer — a rare and significant step that reflects just how little water is available in the upper Deschutes basin.
"Arnold Irrigation District has completely shut down its water deliveries due to the historic drought and exceptionally low snowpack in the upper Deschutes basin," district manager Chris Webb said when the closure was announced in July.
For Jefferson County producers who rely on irrigation for hay production, potato crops, and livestock pasture, reduced or eliminated water allocations mean difficult choices: sell off cattle early, fallow fields, or spend heavily on supplemental feed.
What the Emergency Declaration Unlocks
The drought emergency declaration isn't just symbolic. Under Oregon law, it activates emergency tools for affected communities, including:
- Expedited water use permit review through the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD)
- Emergency water-sharing agreements between rights holders
- Access to state coordination and assistance resources
- Potential eligibility for federal assistance programs
Ranchers and farmers in Jefferson County are encouraged to contact the OWRD or Oregon Department of Agriculture for guidance on available relief programs.
Fire Risk Compounds the Problem
Drought conditions have also dramatically worsened this summer's fire risk, a connection that played out directly in Jefferson County when the Bench Fire burned more than 67,000 acres across and around the Warm Springs Reservation starting July 23, and the Round Butte Fire ignited west of Madras on August 1. Dry grass, low humidity, and wind-driven spread contributed to both fires' rapid growth.
The Oregon Water Resources Department's drought watch page at oregon.gov/owrd provides current drought status and resources for producers seeking help. The OWRD can also be reached directly for emergency assistance inquiries.
State officials say drought conditions across Central Oregon are expected to persist through at least the end of summer, with recovery depending heavily on fall precipitation — which itself is uncertain given ongoing multi-year dry trends in the region.