FRANKFORT, KY - With so many pastures and hay fields depleted by the drought, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture may be able to help farmers find forage for their livestock. Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said he has reactivated the state's hay hotline to connect farmers in need of forage to other farmers willing to sell forage.

Comer said the drought has been so severe that many farmers already have had to feed hay and other forages that normally would be set aside for winter.

Western Kentucky is in extreme drought, and central Kentucky is in moderate drought. The University of Kentucky's Agricultural Weather Center estimated that some communities would need nearly 16 inches of rain to end the drought.

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