It's no surprise that the drought has devastated farmers across the nation and here in Wisconsin. 23 counties in the state have been designated as natural disaster areas.
The drought bill is up for vote next week in the House of Representatives. Farm and environmental lobbyists believe the bill could be a ticket to passing the long awaited farm bill.
The farm bill sets terms for crop subsidies, food stamps, food aid, and other agricultural issues.
Republican Congressman Sean Duffy says the $500 billion farm bill has been under incredible debate in the House. He speculates there will be an extension on the bill with funding that will help the disaster counties.
"[We want] to make sure we can move something forward to help those who are in so much pain right now from these recent weather patterns... which is our drought," says Duffy.
He says it's important that politics do not get in the way of helping those that are affected. While crop insurance will aid many growers, livestock producers with drought stunted pastures face skyrocketing feed prices.
All qualified farmers from designated natural disaster areas are eligible for low interest emergency loans from the USDA Farm Service Agency,
