The USDA recently received a Secretarial disaster designation for losses caused by freezing that occurred from May 5 through May 30, 2021. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a natural disaster designation for farmers in seven Wisconsin counties, with three Illinois counties listed as contiguous counties. Contiguous counties are eligible for the same benefits as primary counties.
Farmers in Boone, Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois who experienced losses due to the freeze in the spring are included in the natural disaster declaration. A Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to producers recovering from natural disasters.
"From flooding to drought and now freeze, Illinois farmers continue to show resiliency year after year," said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture director. "Thank you to Secretary Vilsack and Governor Pritzker for continuing to give Illinois' farmers the resources they need to come back from these situations."
Producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy