Consumers may have the drought hit their pocketbooks too STATEHOUSE- Marion and Johnson counties, represented in part by State Rep. David Frizzell (R-Indianapolis), were recently named by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) two of the 50 counties in Indiana designated as a primary natural disaster area due to losses caused by the extreme drought. “The present weather conditions have hit the citizens of Marion and Johnson counties hard,” said Rep. Frizzell. “The effects have been catastrophic for farmers and unfortunately all will feel the effects.” On average, for every 50 percent increase in the price of corn, food prices can be expected to rise at about a one percent. Unfortunately, the price for a bushel of corn jumped to $7.79 in a month’s time, an increase in the neighborhood of 50 percent. The price of meat is expected be the most affected by the diminished corn production. Prior to the current prolonged drought, the price of meat was expected to jump 4 to 6 percent. Now that increase is expected to be near 10 percent for meat. “The drought may cause families to tighten their budgets slightly to accommodate for the expected increase in the price of food,” said Rep. Frizzell. “However, the citizens of Johnson and Marion counties are resilient and I have full faith the community will be able to persevere.” Farmers affected by the current conditions can contact www.usda.gov/disaster for additional information.
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