All but 3 Texas counties declared a disaster area due to drought

[TexasTowelie]

The US Department of Agriculture this week declared 95 percent of Texas counties a natural disaster area in the wake of the drought that has gripped the state since 2011.

Of the state’s 252 counties, 240 received the designation, which means producers are now eligible for low-interest loans.

“President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement.

“We’re also telling Texas producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.”

More at http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2014-04-24/developing-all-3-texas-counties-declared-disaster-area-due-drought .

[font color=green]The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal report is incorrect in the second paragraph--there are 254 counties in Texas. The excluded counties are Jasper, Newton and Orange.[/font]

[TexasProgresive]

1. It must be heavenly retribution for our evil ways.

[jwirr]

2. I am glad they are getting help but what is going to happen when this drought continue over the

years. When do we decide that the area is not going to support farming? We have no guarantee that this is going to end.

[FloriTexan]

6. When will we stop supporting frackers

who are probably the biggest water wasters and polluters.

[jwirr]

7. I am not supporting frackers. And this drought is not the fault of Texas ranchers. I am just saying

that this drought may not allow farming to continue. The ranchers are going to need some kind of support then also.

[Gothmog]

3. Houston is barely not in the drought zone for now

Houston is behind in rainfall and will be in the drought zone if there is no rain by summer time

[TBF]

4. It is pretty green here in Pearland.

I feel guilty - I pray for drought. Well, not really. But I am very grateful when there's not much rain because my allergies are so much better. This cold winter did not make for a pleasant spring.

[DhhD]

5. Forecasters looking at a stronger than usual El Nino as March was extra warm and the

Southern Pacific Oscillation is much warmer that other El Nino years. The southern US could get a lot of rainfall toward august if this weather pattern does set up.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/wp/2014/03/20/subtle-signs-emerging-of-a-super-el-nino/