By Andi Anderson
USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack has issued a disaster declaration for three counties in Illinois following significant losses from tornadoes earlier this year. The storms impacted Marshall and Putnam counties on July 14 and 15, 2024, and Henry County on July 15.
Farmers in counties adjacent to Marshall, Putnam, and Henry are also eligible for assistance under this declaration. These surrounding counties include Bureau, Knox, LaSalle, Mercer, Peoria, Rock Island, Stark, Whiteside, and Woodford.
“We appreciate the joint efforts of Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to ensure Illinois farmers receive support to recover from these destructive storms,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. “Producers in declared counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to confirm eligibility.”
The natural disaster designation from the USDA enables the Farm Service Agency to offer emergency loans to farmers recovering from disaster impacts. Farmers in eligible areas have an eight-month window from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for these loans.
Those eligible are encouraged to reach out to their local USDA Service Center for information on eligibility, to file a Notice of Loss, or to learn more about the emergency loan process.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy