NEAR BRUNSVILLE, Iowa (KTIV) -
The federal government recently granted some Siouxland counties help through disaster declarations. But some Siouxland farmers won't be taking it.
Despite the sprinkles, Iowa continues to burn. The most recent drought map shows nearly 70% of the state in extreme conditions.
For growers, the heat has busted what was expected to be a bumper crop. Just ask Dave Huitink. Parts of his field look terrible.
"There's nothing there. And at this point it's not going to get any better," he said holding a withered ear.
The USDA estimates only 16% of Iowa corn is in good to excellent condition. Soybeans, 24%.
The outlook is just as bleak for livestock producers. Marlyn Renken's pastures are too dry to feed cattle, meaning he's had to use winter hay reserves. To replace them, he's cutting up what battered corn he has to sell, and turning it into silage.
"We're going to have to cut a lot of silage. From what I've cut so far, it takes twice as many acres to get the same amount of silage," he said.
USDA officials declared disaster declarations for Lyon, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury counties Wednesday. Farmers there can now qualify for federally funded loans.
"A low interest loan from USDA to hopefully help spread that loss over several years," said Communication Director for the Iowa Department of Agriculture Dustin Vande Hoef.
Outside of the declarations, officials say farmers can also take advantage of conservation land, or CRP, that's now open for haying and grazing.
It all sounds good but...
"We don't have that many CRP acres available," said Renken.
And as for the loans, Renken and Huitink say the last thing they need is more debt.
"Anytime you borrow money, you're going to be paying interest on that money, and it's going to have to be paid back," said Renken.
The help they really need? Cooperation from Mother Nature.
If you do want to take advantage of CRP land or the low interest loans, ag officials ask you contact your local USDA office first. They'll fill you in on how the programs work.
