How do Valley farmers feel about the shale boom? - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio - Columbiana County is very much in play when it comes to the oil and gas boom.

More than 50 drilling permits have already been issued and double that number is expected.

21 News went to the Columbiana County Fair to see how farmers are reacting to the shale boom in the county.

Don Meyers is a retired farmer who is always in demand for judging at county fairs, his specialty is hay and grain. Meyers believes that bonus money from drilling rights will be a big relief for many farmers. "Especially those who still have a mortgage on the farm, who are in debt on farm equipment," Meyers said.

Others in agriculture agree that shale leases will give farmers some stability. "In times when crop prices, dairy support prices have been low, that's going to be welcomed. Royalty checks coming to land owners can only be a help," said Don Humphrey, Columbiana County Fair Director.

"They're going to see upgrades in equipment, upgrades in farm buildings. They're not going to sit on this money; they're going to invest it back in the farm," said Robert Mickey,

Farm equipment doesn't come cheap, a large tractor can cost $200,000 dollars, but now farmers have some unexpected funds at their disposal.

Local farm suppliers are hoping it will bring them more business.

Those who know and work with farmers say they are of hearty stock, and believe that most are committed to life on the farm.

"Those who are really dedicated to agriculture, they have the soil and they're going to continue on to farm," Meyers said.

"They do farming not because they're making money at it, but because they love it," Humphrey said.