According to the USDA drought monitor, nearly all West Virginians are living in drought conditions and the lack of water impacts more than just home gardens.

The latest map published Thursday showed more than half the state in severe drought conditions.

Leslie Burdette is the co-owner of Shady Oaks Farm in Putnam County and she said they had a record year of sales because of earlier harvests. She credits their irrigation system for keeping their crops alive but without additional rainfall, this year’s grapes and next year’s blueberry could be impacted.

Their rain gauge was complete empty during our visit. Several government organizations report this is West Virginia’s 12th driest year on record.

“It’s been pretty extreme plus the brutal heat, the temperature and the high humidity. So, it’s everything together, it’s like the perfect storm,” Burdette said.

Friday, Governor Jim Justice issued a state of emergency because of dry conditions. This will allow the state’s emergency management division to respond to drought-related issues.

The Burdette’s said regardless of the drought conditions, West Virginians are resilient.

“It’s passion. I mean, you’ll find with every farmer that that’s what it is. I mean there’s so many farmers and that’s the one thing we all have in common,” she said.

A couple Jackson County, W.Va. farmers told Eyewitness News over the phone, some of their corn crops are suffering and need moisture.

According to the state’s conservation agency, livestock producers having a difficult time getting water in moderate or higher droughts, are eligible to receive cost sharing programs for things like portable water tanks.

The governor’s disaster declaration will last for 30 days unless the governor issues another proclamation to make it expire.

CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice announced John McHugh as acting Secretary for the Department of Administration, replacing Mark Scott, who served in the position since 2021.

McHugh most recently served as the Deputy Secretary of Administration and Director of the General Services Division. A state employee since 2006, McHugh brings extensive knowledge and experience to his role, holding previous leadership positions in the Real Estate Division, Right of Way Division, and at the Board of Medicine.

Additionally, McHugh brings extensive experience from his tenure with the West Virginia Military Authority’s Construction and Facilities Management Office. He is also a licensed West Virginia Contractor.

McHugh graduated from the WVU College of Law and the United States Army War College, earning a master’s degree in strategic studies. In 2017, he retired from the West Virginia Army National Guard after over 30 years of service, attaining the rank of Colonel.

During his military career, he was Battalion Commander for the 771st Battalion Troop Command, Brigade Commander for the 77th Brigade Troop Command, and State Army Aviation Officer. He is a Desert Storm veteran and was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious service as a Medevac helicopter pilot.