Based on an application for disaster assistance by the State of Indiana, USDA has approved adjacent counties in Illinois for low interest, emergency loans.  The Illinois counties included are Crawford, Gallatin, Lawrence, Wabash, and White.

“At the beginning of a given growing season, no producer welcomes the prospect of seeking emergency disaster assistance,” said Congressman Johnson.  “However, it is critical to Illinois agriculture that we make available federal dollars by way of loan, in the event of damaging weather conditions that periodically do plague our state.”

The disaster declaration is related to losses caused by excessive rainfall and cool temperatures that occurred from April 1, 2003 through July 15, 2003, according to USDA.  Producers are encouraged to contact the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for more information.

“Farmers know that they are very dependent on the weather for abundant harvests or poor growing conditions,” said Rep. Shimkus.  “We are able to help these small businesses by providing loans to bridge their financial needs.”