Kansas farmers claim nearly US$1B in insurance to offset crop losses amid lingering drought, USDA says

Andrew Rogers

HUTCHINSON, Kansas , January 26, 2012 (Associated Press) – Kansas farmers have claimed nearly $1 billion in insurance to offset crop losses caused by the lingering drought.

The federal government says that breaks a Kansas record of $446.8 million for drought claims set in 2002, and more claims are expected.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in its weekly update that it had paid $987.3 million to Kansas farmers so far for withered wheat and fall crops.

Rebecca Davis, director of the USDA's Topeka office, says she expects the payout amount to reach $1 billion.

The Hutchinson News reports the drought is going into its second year in Kansas. Besides the lack of rainfall, there were nearly 50 days of triple-digit temperatures this summer.

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