Drought called 'catastrophic' for region's farmers

Farmers and ranchers in the Dakotas and western Minnesota are facing their fourth and fifth year of abnormally dry weather. U.S. Sen. Sen. Tim Johnson of South Dakota calls the recent dry spell in the region "catastrophic." Johnson said he believes the federal government will provide some drought relief in his state.

South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds has already asked to have some counties declared a disaster area.

Spring wheat is one of the crops seriously affected, driving up the cost of flour and other wheat products for consumers.

MPR's Tom Crann spoke to Doug Holen, an agent for the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Fergus Falls, about the effect dry weather is having on the region's farms.