The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a secretarial disaster declaration for crop damages and losses due to flooding and for Indiana farmers in 53 counties.

Gov. Mike Pence sent a letter to USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack at the end of July explaining how the heavy rainfall has had a significant impact on the yield of Indiana crops and overall on our state's farmers.

Out of the state's 92 counties, 53 were included in the declaration request. Newton, Jasper, Fountain and Tippecanoe counties made the list — Boone, Cass, Howard, Miami, Montgomery, and Pulaski are included.

Under the declaration, farmers can now apply for low-interest emergency loans.

"Farms in counties all across the state have suffered because of the excessive rainfall we've experienced during our spring and summer months this year," Gov. Pence said in a news release. "I'm thankful to the Indiana Farm Service Agency and the USDA for recognizing the need for assistance for our Hoosier farmers, and I hope that those affected will apply for the loans they need."

Farmers interested in applying for loans, please visit the USDA website. For more information on applying for a loan, view the USDA Farm Loan Fact Sheet.

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