That requires state environmental officials to expedite requests for temporary irrigation permits to water their crops.
Doyle noted the dry weather spell and hot weather have further stressed already dry crops. Areas of western Wisconsin are five inches below normal for rainfall since the beginning of the growing season.
The last statewide drought emergency was declared in July 2001.
Doyle's executive order means Department of Natural Resources water officials will speed up farmer's requests to divert stream and lake water to irrigate their crops.
The temporary irrigation permits are good only until the emergency declaration expires September 18th, unless extended by a joint resolution of the Legislature.
