SAGINAW, MI (WNEM) -
A widespread drought has farmers across the country in a pinch.
Sweltering temperatures and a lack of rain have killed off many crops, and that means many farmers will have no food to harvest and sell.
Now, the U.S. Agriculture Department has announced plans to help farmers and ranchers in need.
The department says starting today, it will let farmers and ranchers use lands enrolled in conservation programs to make hay, and to let livestock graze.
The agency says it will also provide additional financial and technical assistance to help landowners through the drought.
The Ag Department is also calling on crop insurance companies to give farmers a short grace period on unpaid insurance premiums.
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