Farmers in just about every county in Illinois are eligible for federal drought related assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared 98 of the state's 102 counties as disaster areas. A combination of extremely hot and dry weather has stunted crop development across the state, especially in corn, which received inadequate moisture to pollinate.
According to the Illinois State Water Survey, we've seen just 12-point six inches of rain from January to June, making the first half of the year the sixth-driest on record. Conditions are most critical in Southern Illinois where the U.S. Drought Monitor classifies the drought as "exceptional." That's its highest drought designation.
Farmers who believe they may be eligible for the assistance should contact their county Farm Service Agency offices.
