"The worst drought in half a century is slashing U.S. crop and livestock production, President Obama said on Tuesday as he called on Congress to pass a farm bill that will send disaster aid to more farmers and ranchers."

"During a meeting of Obama's rural council at the White House, he said the administration will do all it can to alleviate the impact of the drought.

'It is a historic drought and it is having a profound impact on farmers and ranchers all across many states,' Obama said."

Margaret Chadbourn reports for Reuters August 7, 2012. [2]