U. S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) was on the ground Sunday to inspect drought damage. Farmers near Springfield showed him how green leaves on the stalks are concealing empty places where corn should be, and they told him it’s even worse in southern Illinois.
 
Durbin, meeting with farmers and leaders of statewide agriculture groups, said he hopes a new farm bill can pass that will open up some ways to help.
 
“The potential for a record crop was here,” lamented J. D. Sudeth, a Sangamon County corn farmer. “If we go another 7-14 days with what it looks like (in) the forecast, I think we’re going to see a crop deteriorate at least right through here in the next 10-14 days.”


(Posted 7-16-2012 at 9:00am, Illinois Radio Network)