Politics & Government

Hultgren, Elected Officials Seek Federal Drought Disaster Declaration

Lawmakers send letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking help.

U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, the Illinois Congressional delegation and Gov. Pat Quinn called for the federal government to declare a disaster from the drought to help farmers and communities impacted by the rough season.

On July 23, the Illinois Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service issued a report that two-thirds of the state’s corn is considered to be in poor or very poor condition, with only 7 percent in good condition and none in excellent condition. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Illinois is in some level of drought conditions. Batavia and Kane County are listed as experiencing "severe drought" conditions as of July 24.

“Agricultural producers in Illinois are experiencing significant losses due to a persistent, unprecedented, statewide heat and drought," said the elected officials in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack requesting assistance. "The Illinois Department of Agriculture and representatives of the Farm Service Agency in Illinois are working to expedite assistance to Illinois farmers affected by these weather events."

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Hultgren, who represents the Tri-Cities, said farmers cannot wait any longer for assistance.

“A few Illinois counties have received designations so far, but it’s time to designate all areas of Illinois currently experiencing this devastating drought,” he said in a released statement.

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