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Federal help is on the horizon for farmers suffering from a crop-killing drought spanning almost three seasons.Between the Easter weekend freeze and the extended dry spell,Tennessee farmers say they need to lean on the federal government."Five-tenths of an inch of rainfall is all we've received in the last six weeks and it's just had a devastating toll on the corn crop,"said David Richesin.Richesin runs Cherry Brook Farm in Loudon County. His corn crop is normally tall and green this time of year, but this year's plants are yellow and barely touch the knee."We're looking at the size and scope of our operation and trying to evaluate a business plan as to what we're going to have to do," Richesin said.The combination of the Easter weekend freeze and the recent lack of rain damaged more than just the corn."My children and my wife can testify that I've been extremely concerned and depressed with the situation," said Richesin.Monday, Senator Lamar Alexander visited Richesin's home and spoke with a room full of farmers about their concerns."Whatever we can do, we'll do," Senator Alexander said.Two months after the Easter freeze, Senator Alexander is now asking the Secretary of Agriculture to declare all 95 counties in Tennessee disaster areas."That would make farmers hurt by the freeze eligible for low-interest loans up to the full amount of their losses," said Senator Alexander.But the loan only applies to damage from the freeze, not the current drought. For now, Richesin and other farmers have no choice but to look to the short-term weather forecast for help."When they talk about it's going to be a beautiful weekend or a beautiful day, remember there are a lot of farmers that a beautiful day would be an all day rain," Richesin said.The low-interest loans will not be available to farmers for a few months, but Senator Alexander hopes that the money will help those farmers hit hardest by the freeze.http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=46360
As in the days of Noah...
