Dozens of farmers and ranchers met with U.S. Department of Agriculture and California Department of Food and Agriculture officials Thursday night to discuss drought resources.
The impacts of the drought aren't yet visible on Keith Nilmeier's land. He's still planting crops and hasn't let go of any employees, but if the water crisis continues, next year two of his wells could dry up.
Nilmeier says, " That's a big chunk of money."
So, the Fresno County grower is hoping to tap into state and federal aid.
"It would definitely help. It's either that or go out and take out another loan," says Nilmeier.
Like many Valley farmers, Nilmeier isn't sure he's even eligible. Thursday, he plans to find out.
Available resources include water conservation enhancements, crop insurance and other farm management tools; such as farmworkers assistance.
Ryan Jacobsen, Fresno Co. Farm Bureau Exec. Dir. says, "There are folks that this can make or break whether they're going to make it through this year or not."
USDA and CDFA officials will be on hand to talk one-on-one with farmers and ranchers.
"Having that ability to sit down with somebody and really talk them through the process is going to be very helpful and hopefully get past some of the intimidation factor that exists for folks," says Jacobsen.
Nilmeier calls the aid a short term band aid that will only temporarily stop the bleeding. Still, he's hoping to get a small piece of it.
The impacts of the drought aren't yet visible on Keith Nilmeier's land. He's still planting crops and hasn't let go of any employees, but if the water crisis continues, next year two of his wells could dry up.
Nilmeier says, " That's a big chunk of money."
So, the Fresno County grower is hoping to tap into state and federal aid.
"It would definitely help. It's either that or go out and take out another loan," says Nilmeier.
Like many Valley farmers, Nilmeier isn't sure he's even eligible. Thursday, he plans to find out.
Available resources include water conservation enhancements, crop insurance and other farm management tools; such as farmworkers assistance.
Ryan Jacobsen, Fresno Co. Farm Bureau Exec. Dir. says, "There are folks that this can make or break whether they're going to make it through this year or not."
USDA and CDFA officials will be on hand to talk one-on-one with farmers and ranchers.
"Having that ability to sit down with somebody and really talk them through the process is going to be very helpful and hopefully get past some of the intimidation factor that exists for folks," says Jacobsen.
Nilmeier calls the aid a short term band aid that will only temporarily stop the bleeding. Still, he's hoping to get a small piece of it.