Drought impact on 35 South Carolina counties

An unexpectedly severe drought joined forces this summer with a relentless heat wave in a one-two punch that is knocking many South Carolina farmers off their feet.  The U-S Department of Agriculture declared 35 counties in the state primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by the brutal conditions.  Ten other contiguous counties also qualify.  The USDA declaration provides low-interest loans to help farmers offset losses that crop insurance might not cover.