Jefferson County is closing out summer 2026 under the weight of a historic drought that has strained water supplies, scorched pastures, and pushed local agricultural operations to their limits. With the harvest season now underway, farmers and ranchers across the county are counting the costs of one of the driest years in recent memory.

The Numbers Tell the Story

In April, Governor Tina Kotek issued a drought emergency declaration for Jefferson County — the second such order in Oregon in 2026 alone. At that time, 94% of Jefferson County was classified under severe drought, with the remaining area in moderate drought. No corner of the county was spared.

The Oregon Water Resources Department described conditions as driven by a perfect storm: historically low mountain snowpack, one of the warmest winters in state history, and multi-year precipitation deficits that left soil moisture depleted going into the growing season. Officials drew comparisons to 2015, when a snow drought eventually spread across 25 of Oregon's 36 counties and became one of the most damaging agricultural disasters in state history.

Impact on Local Operations

For Jefferson County's agricultural community — which relies heavily on irrigation from the Crooked River and Deschutes Basin systems — the season has been a grind. Reduced water allocations forced difficult choices: fallow more ground, sell livestock early, or pay premium prices for hay and supplemental feed trucked in from other regions.

Ranchers across the Madras plateau and out toward Ashwood and Shaniko have faced particularly dry conditions, with native grasses parched well ahead of schedule. The drought has also compounded wildfire risk across the county, turning dry vegetation into ready fuel during an already dangerous fire season.

Resources Available

Farmers and ranchers affected by the drought emergency may be eligible for assistance through state and federal programs activated under Governor Kotek's declaration. Resources include:

  • Oregon Department of Agriculture drought assistance programs
  • USDA Farm Service Agency emergency loans and livestock assistance
  • OSU Extension Service – Jefferson County for local guidance and referrals

The OSU Extension office in Madras can be reached at (541) 475-7107.

Looking Ahead

Fall precipitation — if and when it arrives — will begin the slow process of replenishing soil moisture, but hydrologists warn that reservoirs and aquifer levels may take years to fully recover from a drought of this magnitude. Water managers in the Deschutes Basin are already discussing how to manage limited resources heading into the 2027 water year.

For the people working the land in Jefferson County, the immediate priority is getting through fall with operations intact and preparing for whatever winter brings.