Ind. drought conditions improving

Amid what is believed to be the worst drought in the United States in nearly half a century, the U.S. Drought Monitor indicates drought conditions in Indiana are improving.

Currently, conditions in 54.67 percent of the state, including Monroe County, are classified as a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s weekly report released Thursday.

About 88 percent of the state remains in at least moderate drought conditions.
The worst two categories, exceptional and extreme, do not currently affect the state.

At the end of August, 30.22 percent of the state was considered to be in a severe drought and 10.8 percent of the state suffered exceptional drought conditions.

A month ago, nearly 69 percent of the state was categorized with extreme or exceptional drought conditions.

Although data collected by the drought monitor show signs of improvement, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman and Julia Wickard, Indiana state executive director of the Farm Service Agency, announced Wednesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated all 92 Indiana counties as primary natural disaster areas.

The USDA reviewed the state’s Loss Assessment Reports and determined sufficient production losses warranted the declaration, according to a press release.

“It’s been one challenge after another this year for our farmers, who provide so much for all of our families,” Skillman said in the release. “This is another great step in the recovery process, and we remain committed to helping members of our agriculture community get through these difficult times and move forward with renewed optimism.”

The declaration gives farmers in eligible counties the chance to gain low-interest emergency loans through the FSA, which will review each loan request on an individual basis, according to the release.

The designation will provide relief to all Indiana farmers who have suffered a 30 percent or greater loss of at least one crop.

— Mark Keierleber