The governor is asking the federal government to help drought stricken farmers in the north.
The governor is getting a first hand look at dried out crops as he continues his annual Up North Tour this week. His spokesperson, Carla Vigue, says it's bad enough for the governor to ask the feds to declare fifty two counties a federal disaster area.
If the Federal Department of Agriculture does make such a declaration farmers will be eligible for financial help usually in the form of low interest loans.
The governor has also issued a statewide executive order that will allow the DNR to expedite irrigation permits. That will make it easier for farmers to take water from rivers and streams to use on crops.
Similar statewide drought emergencies were also declared in 2005 and 2006.