LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) — The drought is killing wheat crops in a northern Idaho county where commissioners declared a state of emergency.

The Lewiston Tribune reports some Clearwater County farmers have seen drought conditions eliminate almost two-thirds of this year's crops. Commission Chairman Don Ebert says recent rains were too late to save wheat crops, and that harvests are down 40 percent. The National Weather Service forecasts more rain this week, but not enough to end drought conditions.

Experts at Washington State University say rain could mean more damage to wheat sprouts. Karel Wemhoff is the Farm Services Agency executive director for Lewis and Clearwater counties. She says loss estimates are based on what farmers are seeing. She said yield and probably quality will be affected. Surrounding counties are considering similar emergency declarations.

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