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7/30/12 U.S. Agriculture secretary issues drought disaster declaration for Colorado farms - Longmont Times -Call <br />tngineer's orders from using the, ► that were long ago drilled into the ai r. <br />Weld County commissioners wrote that farmers who rely solely on ditch rights to water their fields "are now <br />completely out or very short of water, and their crops are dying in the field." <br />Several members of Colorado's congressional delegation -- including U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark <br />Udall and U.S. Reps. Cory Gardner and Scott Tipton -- had also written Vilsack seeking federal assistance to <br />drought - impacted Earns and ranches. <br />'"The entire state of Colorado has been severely affected by hot and dry conditions that have hampered the <br />production of our agricultural producers," Bennet, D- Denver, said after Vilsack's Tuesday drought - designation <br />declaration. <br />"The designation from USDA will provide much- needed assistance to farmers to help offset their losses due to <br />drought. Agriculture is a critical part of Colorado's economy, and these resources will help producers weather <br />a difficult growing season," Bennet said in a statement. <br />Udall, D- Eldorado Springs, said in a statement that "the issues that face Colorado's agriculture producers are <br />mounting, and now that this declaration has been made, Colorado's farmers and ranchers will have access to <br />additional resources to get them through these tough times." <br />John Fryar can be reached at 303 - 684 -5211 or jfiyar@times- call. corn <br />www.timesr-all.com/ news /ci_ 20997160 /u- s- agriculture- secretary- issues - drought- disaster - declaration 212 <br />