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USDA designates 18 Iowa counties as primary disaster areas

September 04, 2020 11:35 AM

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has deemed 18 counties in Iowa as primary natural disaster areas, making producers eligible for emergency loans.

Iowa was the hardest hit state by a high-powered derecho that decimated millions of acres of farmland.

The counties eligible are: Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama.

The emergency loans can be used to meet various needs, including replacing equipment and livestock, refinancing debts or reorganizing the entire farming operation.

“The extent of damage to crops, equipment, facilities, and the ag sector as a whole from this storm is devastating,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump has already demonstrated his support for Iowa by immediately approving Iowa’s disaster declaration. He is committed to ensuring Iowa’s farmers get back on their feet and continue to produce the food and fuel America needs to thrive. The recovery process is in full swing, and USDA is working diligently to expedite financial and technical support for Iowa farmers and livestock producers who have suffered unprecedented losses. We are standing by to expand this designation as we learn more about the full impacts of the Derecho.”

You can find more here.

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