LANSING (WWJ/AP) - The wet Michigan spring has the state seeking federal disaster relief for farmers.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking the federal government to approve Michigan farmers for disaster assistance because of wet weather that's making it hard to plant crops.
Whitmer made the request Wednesday in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.
Click here to read the letter (.pdf format)
"Michigan farmers are in a state of crisis right now because of extraordinary weather conditions, from historic rainfall, extreme cold, excessive snow, flash flooding, and tornadoes," Whitmer said in a statement. "Michigan has a rich history in agriculture, and on behalf of our farmers, our families, and our economy, we need to take action now. I’m ready and eager to partner with the federal government to make sure Michigan farmers have the support they need during this difficult time."
Michigan is going through one of its wettest periods on record, with nearly 38 inches of rain between May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019.
As of June 9, only 3.5 days this year had provided proper conditions for field work. Officials say Michigan’s crops are significantly underplanted with corn down from 88 percent to 63 percent and soybeans at only 43 percent.
Soggy fields also have prevented harvesting hay for livestock.
Officials say 64 of Michigan's 83 counties are seeking disaster designations.