 The federal government is stepping in to help area farmers dealing with crop damage or loss as a result of dry conditions. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack has declared a natural disaster in the state of North Carolina. Columbus County blueberry farmer John Morris tells WWAY. We haven't been able to irrigate as much and we have had no rain, so we're concerned about how much new growth we have on our blueberry bushes. You're listening to NCN News.