Parched nation

[marmar]

(Guardian UK) America declared a natural disaster in more than 1,000 drought-stricken counties in 26 states on Thursday.

It was the largest declaration of a national disaster and was intended to speed relief to about a third of the country's farmers and ranchers who are suffering in drought conditions.

The declaration from the US department of agriculture includes most of the south-west, which has been scorched by wildfires, parts of the midwestern corn belt, and the south-east.

It was intended to free up funds for farmers whose crops have withered in extreme heatwave conditions linked by scientists to climate change. ................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jul/13/drought-declaration-natural-disaster-states

[Iggy]

1. We're Screwed

yesterday I exchanged several Tweets with a farmer in western Kansas. he stated it's been five
weeks since he's seen significant rainfall, and he's had over 15 days of triple digit temps.

He said his crops are dead/dying in his fields.

Ready for $10.00 per box of cornflakes?

[HereSince1628]

2. Sad to watch. And there is really nothing to be done but watch.

This morning's viewing includes watching the high pressure over the lower peninsula devour the rain trying to move east out of western Wisconsin.