WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 21 counties in southwestern and central Kansas as natural disaster areas due to losses caused by drought, wildfires and high winds this year. “President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to the wheat crop and we want to help,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This action will provide help to hundreds of farmers who suffered significant production losses.” “Kansas is facing one of the worst droughts since the Dust Bowl days,” said U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts. “The lack of rainfall has had a devastating impact on the wheat crop in Kansas, and many farms are facing total crop loss.” Ranchers in Kansas are also facing severe hardship due to a lack of available feed caused by the drought, he said. “I am grateful Secretary Vilsack responded to our appeals for assistance,” U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said. “During a time when producers are experiencing the devastating results of these acts of God, we did everything possible to ensure the USDA’s decision affecting their operations was made promptly.”
Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 a.m.
