Persistent below normal precipitation allowed severe drought conditions to expand across portions of western Wisconsin, including Adams, Juneau, Vernon and Crawford Counties. Affects of the drought include damaged crops, pastures that have stopped growing, river flows that were less than 20 percent of normal, falling ground water levels and high to extreme fire dangers resulting in burning bans. In addition, blue-green algae growing in area waterways was responsible for one illness after a person water skied and swam in Lake Petenwell (Adams County). Because of the high price of feed and the burned up pastures, farmers across the state sold off large numbers of cattle. The largest cattle marketer saw a 150% increase in sales in late July. The Governor of Wisconsin expanded the state of emergency due to drought to cover the entire state. In late July, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture declared 23 counties in southern Wisconsin to be natural disasters areas. This included both Adams and Crawford Counties. Also in late July, the State of Wisconsin announced that farmers suffering from the drought would be allowed to harvest hay and graze cattle on state owned land.

Drought in JUNEAU, WISCONSIN
From 17-JUL-12 05:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Severe drought conditions developed across Juneau County because of a persistent lack of precipitation. The Governor of Wisconsin declared a state of emergency due to drought for the entire state, including Juneau County. Affects of the drought include damaged crops, pastures that have stopped growing, river flows that were less than 20 percent of normal on the Wisconsin and Lemonweir Rivers, falling ground water levels and high to extreme fire dangers resulting in burning bans. The Wisconsin DNR lifted the burning ban on July 30th.

Drought in VERNON, WISCONSIN
From 17-JUL-12 05:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Severe drought conditions developed across Vernon County because of a persistent lack of precipitation. The Governor of Wisconsin declared a state of emergency due to drought for the entire state, including Vernon County. Affects of the drought include damaged crops, pastures that have stopped growing, river flows that were less than 20 percent of normal, falling ground water levels and high to extreme fire dangers resulting in burning bans. Vegetable farmers in the county have lost several types of plants and in some cases have only been able to deliver 20 percent of what was planned.

Drought in ADAMS, WISCONSIN
From 17-JUL-12 05:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Severe drought conditions developed across Adams County because of a persistent lack of precipitation. The Governor of Wisconsin declared a state of emergency due to drought for the entire state, including Adams County. Affects of the drought include damaged crops, pastures that have stopped growing, river flows that were less than 20 percent of normal on the Wisconsin River, falling ground water levels and high to extreme fire dangers resulting in burning bans. In addition, blue-green algae  growing on area waterways was responsible for one illness after a person water skied and swam in Lake Petenwell. In late July, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture declared Adams County a natural disaster area. The Wisconsin DNR lifted the burning ban on July 30th.

Drought in CRAWFORD, WISCONSIN
From 17-JUL-12 05:00:00 to 31-JUL-12 23:59:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

Severe drought conditions developed across Crawford County because of a persistent lack of precipitation. The Governor of Wisconsin declared a state of emergency due to drought for the entire state, including Crawford County. Affects of the drought include damaged crops, pastures that have stopped growing, river flows that were less than 20 percent of normal on the Wisconsin River, falling ground water levels and high to extreme fire dangers resulting in burning bans. Prairie du Chien implemented mandatory water restrictions. In late July, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture declared Crawford County a natural disaster area. Also in late July, enough rain had fallen that the Wisconsin DNR lifted the burning ban across Crawford County.