218 Counties Added in 32 States
As one of the worst droughts in U.S. history continues, an additional 218 counties have been added to the US government’s list of natural disaster areas bring the total to 1,584 counties in 32 states that have been designated primary disaster areas, according to the USDA.
The USDA utilizes a weekly drought monitor to form its list and this week they found that nearly half of the nation’s corn crop and 37% of its soybean crop was rated “poor” or “very poor.”
Farmers and ranchers in counties considered natural disaster areas are eligible for federal aid, including low-interest emergency loans, in addition to access to 3.8 million acres of conservation land to feed their animals. Three quarters of the country’s cattle are in areas affected by the drought.
Farmers are being paid to take land out of production to prevent erosion and create wildlife habitat and are also receiving a penalty-free, 30-day grace period on their crop insurance premiums this year.
With confidence in the economy at its lowest level since the recession combined with US export orders at there lowest level in three years, food shortages and rising food prices could drive the country into another recession with impact felt worldwide.
