The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 44 counties, including South Central Illinois, as natural disaster areas because of losses caused by drought and excessive heat that began on July 1st and continued into the fall months. The counties included in the disaster declaration include Marion, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Jefferson, and Wayne. Washington County farmers will also be able to qualify for assistance because they are contiguous to the disaster area. The designation makes all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low interest emergency loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency if eligibility requirements are met. Farmers have eight months to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. Help may also be available from several other programs. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsak says Illinois producers can continue to count on USDA to provide emergency assistance during difficult times. Vilsak says he and President Obama are committed to using the resources at their disposal to reduce the impact of this disaster on Illinois producers and help to get those affected back on their feet. - http://goo.gl/aszmG
