Governor Jim Doyle Thursday asked U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare disasters in four southwestern Wisconsin counties hard hit by storms in July, and for 41 counties suffering under drought conditions.

“Wisconsin farmers have seen the worst that Mother Nature can do in the past three growing seasons, with floods, drought, tornadoes and hail,” Governor Doyle said. “This year, farmers are also facing the effects of a global economic recession. I am working hard with Secretary Vilsack to swiftly assist state farmers affected by drought and storms.”

The four counties suffering storm damage are Crawford, Grant, Lafayette and Monroe. Crawford and Grant counties were hit on July 24 and again on July 27, when both straight-line winds and a tornado swept through the area. Oats and wheat were damaged along with the corn and soybean crops.

Governor Doyle also sought disaster declarations for many other counties from other parts of the state suffering from this summer’s drought.

A secretarial disaster declaration by Vilsack would allow crop producers to qualify for assistance, generally in the form of low-interest loans.