Storm assistance approved for farmers in 75 counties

Farmers in more than half of Missouri counties are eligible to apply for federal assistance to recover from flooding rains this spring and summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated 28 counties as primary natural disaster areas because of rain, strong winds and flooding that caused agricultural production losses between Feb. 1 and July 31.

The designation allows eligible farmers in those counties and contiguous counties to be considered for assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency.

While no local counties are among the 28 in the disaster declaration area, Dade, Dallas, Webster and Wright counties fall into the contiguous coverage area.

Qualifying farmers can receive FSA emergency loans or help from the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program.

"Missouri farmers suffered significant losses from storms this spring and summer," Gov. Jay Nixon said in a news release. "Weather caused a delay in planting, decreased yields and resulted in economic difficulty for many family farmers. Missouri's agricultural industry is the backbone of our economy, and we must do everything we can to protect it."

Interested parties can access additional information through their local FSA office, or the Missouri State FSA office at (573) 876-0980.

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