Over A Dozen Idaho Couties Designated Natural Disaster Areas

Idaho farmers and ranchers affected by severe drought now have access to additional federal assistance.  USDA has issued a natural disaster designation for fourteen Idaho counties, allowing producers to apply for emergency loans via FSA.  The loans can help replace essential equipment or livestock, reorganize farm operations, or refinance certain debt following drought-related losses.

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

The designation covers Adams, Benewah, Clark, Elmore, Gem, Gooding, Jerome, Kootenai, Lemhi, Lewis, Lincoln, Nez Perce, Teton and Washington counties.  That means producers in these neighboring counties may also quality for assistance:

• Idaho: Ada, Blaine, Boise, Bonner, Bonneville, Butte, Camas, Canyon, Cassia, Clearwater, Custer, Fremont, Idaho, Jefferson, Latah, Madison, Minidoka, Owyhee, Payette, Shoshone, Twin Falls, and Valley
• Montana: Beaverhead and Ravalli
• Oregon: Baker, Malheur, and Wallowa
• Washington: Asotin, Spokane, and Whitman
• Wyoming:Teton 

USDA says the designation follows drought conditions reaching severe levels for at least eight consecutive weeks, or extreme to exceptional levels.  The application deadline is March 29th.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com