Prairie State Wire

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a disaster declaration for several counties in Illinois following severe weather events that occurred earlier this year. The declaration covers Christian, Hancock, McDonough, Sangamon, and Washington counties due to damages from a derecho and tornadoes on June 29-30, 2023.

In addition to these counties, the declaration extends eligibility for assistance to neighboring areas. These contiguous counties include Adams, Cass, Clinton, Fulton, Henderson, Jefferson, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Marion, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Randolph, St. Clair, Schuyler, Shelby and Warren.

Jerry Costello II of the Illinois Department of Agriculture expressed gratitude towards Governor JB Pritzker for collaborating with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA. "I want to thank Governor JB Pritzker for working with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to provide resources to producers impacted by these damaging storms," he stated.

The designation allows affected farmers access to emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency. Producers have eight months from the date of declaration to apply for these loans. Farmers are encouraged to reach out to their local USDA Service Center for eligibility confirmation or further inquiries.