GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) -- Four Michigan counties that lost a large number of crops because of the heat and drought are now considered natural disaster areas.
Farmers in Branch, Cass, Hillsdale and St. Joseph counties are now eligible for low interest loans.
The record drought is expected to push up food prices by three or four percent next year, mainly because of the soaring cost of corn and soybeans.
Beef prices are expected to see the biggest jump of 4%-5%. Dairy product prices are expected to climb 3.5%-4.5%. Poultry prices could increase 3%-4%.