Drought conditions expand in ND & MN

Drought conditions continue to persist in North Dakota and Minnesota. The National Weather Service says North Dakota is in the midst of its fourth driest year to date in the past 127 years. Over 97% of the state is in a Severe Drought status or worse.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and a top state lawmakers say they will support an emergency financial relief package for farmers in Minnesota, where most of the state is in a severe or extreme drought. Walz says he would support an aid package in a special session next month. Agriculture officials say livestock and specialty crop farmers are hardest hit because their insurance generally covers less than corn and soybean farmers. House Speaker Melissa Hortman said a financial relief package could be modeled after previous aid that lawmakers approved after flooding.

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