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Much Too Dry

By Kathryn R. Satterfield

Stalks of corn are dry. Dusty, empty fields stand where cattle once grazed. South Dakota, Wyoming and other western states are in a drought.

Last Tuesday, the United States government promised $780 million in aid to struggling farmers. Mike Enzi, a senator from Wyoming, said the money would help his state "come out of this drought on top."

A drought happens when a region gets far too little rain. After a time, natural water supplies fall short.

Recent rains have brought some relief. Sadly, the rains have come too late for most summer crops. But farmers will soon plant winter wheat. With a little luck and rain, next spring's harvest will be a happier story.

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