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Twenty-eight South Carolina counties are now in the first level of drought.

The S.C. Drought Response Committee said June 19 that the counties are in the incipient level of drought. Places such as Florence, Manning and Hartsville have received less than 2 inches of rain in the last 30 days.

The committee says that reports indicate some areas in the Pee Dee region have received no rain for three to four weeks.

Brad Boozer of the state Agriculture Department says the lack of rain is taking a toll on corn, and beef cattle farmers are feeding hay in some areas. He says most farmers are waiting for rain before planting soybeans.

The level of drought is called incipient. Drought levels that follow are called moderate, severe and extreme.

Topics South Carolina