Dozens of Wisconsin farmers have reportedly applied to the Department of Natural Resources for emergency permits to pump irrigation water from creeks and streams. So far, the state has reportedly issued about 50 of the permits, mostly in southern and central Wisconsin. Struggling farmers need the additional water sources to deal with the summer’s drought conditions. The permits are good for 30 days and the DNR’s program ends next month. Farmers have to keep track of stream levels and they are forced to stop if the water falls below a pre-determined level.
