The U.S. Department of Agriculture is yet to determine which Illinois counties will be eligible for federal assistance when it comes to flood damage. Any statewide disaster declaration still needs to be made and damage assessments will be key.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner submitted the request to the federal agency last week.

In Iroquois County, the Farm Service Agency reported the loss reported was 32 percent for corn and 27 percent for soybeans. Agriculture officials in Kankakee County reported the loss of 36 percent of the corn crop and 38 percent of the soybean crop. To be eligible for disaster assistance a county must report a minimum of 30 percent loss of a crop.

Illinois Agriculture Director Philip Nelson urges farmers to stay involved with their FSA offices and get those numbers submitted.

The State disaster declaration, which must be approved by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, has helped to clarify how farmers can get assistance. Vilsack's office is reviewing the request and hopes to make a determination soon.

Federal assistance usually comes in the form of security for loans or low-interest loans. The U.S. Rural Development Agency also has 43 programs pertaining to economic development that may provide further assistance.

94.1 WGFA