Alexander and Union counties receive USDA disaster designation following Hurricane Helene

USDA Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack Thursday issued a disaster declaration for Alexander and Union Counties in Illinois due to damages and losses caused by excessive rainfall and high winds that resulted from Hurricane Helene September 28th and 29th.

 The two counties are contiguous to the primary designation counties in Missouri and are eligible for the same assistance.

"A USDA disaster designation makes emergency loans and other disaster recovery support available to Illinois farmers impacted by the extreme weather," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. 

"Emergency loan applications must be received within eight months from the date of the declaration. The clock starts ticking when the designation is made, so do not delay if you have storm damage in Alexander or Union Counties."

The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) considers each emergency loan application on its own merits, factoring in the extent of production losses on the farm and the ability of the operator to repay.

Illinois producers in affected counties should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.