Obama calling on Congress to provide drought assistance

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is calling on Congress to provide assistance to farmers suffering from the worst drought in 25 years. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says three-fifths of the U.S. land mass and much of the country’s corn and soybean crops are affected by the lack of rain.

Vilsack met with President Barack Obama Wednesday, July 18th to discuss a response to the disaster. Vilsack said farmers could get assistance if Congress passes a new farm bill, approves additional disaster programs or provides more flexibility in the availability of credit.

Vilsack cautioned consumers about potential price gouging, saying any increase in retail costs would likely come much later.

Asked about the role of prayer, Vilsack said “If I had a rain prayer or rain dance I could do, I would do it.”

Related stories:

• Consumers could face steeper grocery bills due to drought
• Farm’s crops suffering from drought despite irrigation system
• Milk and cattle feed down due to drought at one Washington Co. farm
• U.S. drought grows to cover widest area since 1956