Governor Kotek Declares Drought in Oregon Counties
The April 21, 2026, declaration follows severe water shortages affecting ranchers in Grant County.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Agriculture
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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed Executive Order 26-07 on April 21, 2026, officially declaring a drought across Grant County and five additional counties. The move comes as local water sources, including Ingle Creek, have dried up due to diminishing snowpack from Ingle Mountain.
Why it matters
The drought declaration addresses critical water shortages that have forced local agricultural operators to haul water manually to their herds. This necessity has significantly increased operational costs for ranchers as diesel fuel prices continue to climb.
Ingle Butte Ranches currently manages 200 head of cattle that rely on hauled water, a significant increase from the 50-100 head typically sustained by local water sources in previous years.
The players
Tina Kotek
Tina Kotek is the Governor of Oregon who signed Executive Order 26-07 to manage the state's response to drought conditions.
Kim Lemons
Kim Lemons is the owner of Ingle Butte Ranches in Mount Vernon who has operated the property since 1973.
The details
At Ingle Butte Ranches in Mount Vernon, owner Kim Lemons has been forced to transport water to grazing cattle after Ingle Creek dried up completely in 2026. The creek, which usually depends on snowmelt from Ingle Mountain, has failed to provide its standard water supply this year.
Timeline
Kim Lemons has owned Ingle Butte Ranches since 1973.
Ingle Butte Ranch was honored with a Sesquicentennial Award in 2019.
Governor Tina Kotek signed the drought declaration on April 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The drought declaration under Executive Order 26-07 formalizes the state's response to extreme water shortages in rural regions. This move reflects a broader industry challenge where climate-driven water scarcity directly disrupts established agricultural production cycles.
The drought declaration may lead to increased logistical costs for agricultural producers and potential price fluctuations for local livestock. Residents in the affected counties may face long-term water usage restrictions until environmental conditions improve.
The takeaway
Ranchers dealing with water shortages should track diesel fuel costs closely as part of their broader drought mitigation strategy. Implementing water-hauling efficiencies is becoming a necessary practice for maintaining livestock health during extended dry periods.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit Oregon Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blue Mountain Eagle.
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