A formal request has been made of the federal government for disaster relief for farmers in 39 Missouri counties suffering under drought conditions. Governor Bob Holden made the formal request after he received information from the Missouri Farm Services Agency. Agency Executive Director Tim Kelley says the survey the agency did of the counties found widespread devastation. In fact, Kelley expects the Governor to request the agency survey more counties. The worst of the drought has settled on northwest Missouri, some of the state’s best farmland. It since has been spreading to north-central and western Missouri and now is moving to the east. A disaster declaration would make farmers in the affected area eligible for low-interest loans to off-set losses and provide living expenses.
