The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 98 of 102 Illinois counties as disaster areas. Approval of the governor’s latest request means federal disaster assistance is now available to help farmers in an additional 50 drought-stricken Illinois counties.
According to the State’s Water Survey, precipitation throughout Illinois averaged just 12-point-6 inches from January to June, making the first half of the year the sixth driest on record. Additionally, each month this year has had above normal temperatures, making this the warmest year on record.
Farmers who believe they may be eligible for assistance should contact their County Farm Services Agency offices.
