In July, sixty-six primary counties and 16 neighboring counties were declared federal disasters.
After his drought tour of the state, Governor Sam Brownback has requested an additional 37 counties to be added to the list.
The newest additions would include Atchison, Brown, Chase, Cherokee, Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Doniphan, Douglas, Ellis, Ellsworth, Franklin, Geary, Jackson, Jefferson, Jewell, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lincoln, Marion, Miami, Mitchell, Morris, Nemaha, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Rush, Russell, Saline, Shawnee, Smith, Wabaunsee and Wyandotte.
Brownback has made the request due to the drought conditions, extreme heat, high winds and wildfire.
If the request is approved, one hundred three counties will be considered primary federal disaster areas.
This declaration will make farmers eligible for USDA disaster assistance programs.
