HERMISTON, Ore. (AP) -- Farm service agencies in at least two Eastern Oregon counties are applying for disaster relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Unseasonably cool temperatures in the spring delayed the wheat crop in Morrow and Gilliam counties. Then a hot, dry spell in the middle of the growing season caused wheat kernels to shrink, said Darcy Vial, county executive of the Morrow County FSA.
Vial declined to say what percentage of this year's crop was lost, only that it was below average.
To attain disaster status, county commissioners must write Gov. Ted Kulongoski, informing him of the situation and requesting assistance. If the governor thinks they have a case, he sends the request to the secretary of the USDA, who makes the final decision.
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