Drought isn't a problem in most of Virginia this year. But the abundance of rain has been a mixed blessing.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows only dry patches in the Danville
and Martinsville areas. The rest of the state is normal.

Last year, most of Virginia experienced drought or abnormally dry conditions.

Hurricane Irene and the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee provided
most of the recent rains. The storms also caused flooding and other
problems.

Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore
tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/oxY2Uu ) that Irene caused about $73 million in farm damage.

Haymore says the rains also have made it difficult for farmers to harvest their crops.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)