Klamath County, Oregon – Klamath County has launched a new grant program meant to help local farmers and ranchers combating harmful pests in an attempt to offset the rising threat presented by grasshoppers and Mormon crickets. Supported by the Oregon Department of Agriculture under a recent legislative measure, this project seeks to minimize the significant harm these insects do on local grasslands and crops.
Grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have become a significant concern in Klamath County, damaging vast stretches of agricultural land and natural habitats. Their presence compromises not just the livelihoods of nearby farmers but also the general balance of the county’s ecology and economy. In response, the Oregon Legislature established SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), which, coupled with a Temporary Administrative Order, distributes financial resources for pest control techniques.
Klamath County has been assigned $100,000 under this new initiative to go to impacted ranchers and farmers. The money is meant to assist with the expenses of controlling the bug invasion. Although officials admit that this sum will not be enough to pay all losses, it is considered as a necessary first step in handling the problem.
Read also: Oregon Tech’s dedication to student success and innovation shines in 2025 U.S. News rankings
Klamath County has set up a reimbursement grant program to guarantee efficient allocation of the money. The application review process will be under supervision by a special committee of representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. After reviewing submissions, this committee will provide the Board of Commissioners financial recommendations.
Grant applications are open from now until 5:00 PM on October 31, 2024. Interested parties must send their applications by this date; late entries will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to go over all accepted applications and forward their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, who will then decide on the money release.
The application for this grant can be accessed through the Klamath County Grants Website. Direct contact with the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-3637 is advised for further specific information or help with the application process.
Klamath County seeks to reduce some of the financial burden on local farmers and ranchers by helping those most impacted by the grasshopper and Mormon cricket outbreaks so they may go on running and supporting the food supply and economic well-being of the community.
