ST. PAUL - Farmers in 56 Minnesota counties will be eligible for low-interest loans to help recover from this summer's drought.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty received word today from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns that the state's request for aid has been granted. Johanns today was in southwestern Minnesota for FarmFest, where he was expected to discuss the issue.
Twenty-four counties were designated federal agriculture disaster areas, while farmers in 32 adjacent counties also will be eligible for the loans.
"Minnesota farmers and ranchers need this help to deal with the effects of a largely hot and dry summer that is challenging their crop and livestock operations," Pawlenty said.
Much of the state has experienced very dry weather, with a high percentage of crops in poor shape at last report. The worst drought ranges from the southwestern counties to the northeast.
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The counties affected by the disaster declaration are: Aitkin, Cook, Kanabec, Sherburne, Anoka, Crow Wing, Lake, St. Louis, Benton, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Swift, Brown, Hennepin, Morrison, Todd, Carlton, Hubbard, Pipestone, Wadena, Cass, Itasca, Pope, Wright, Becker, Cottonwood, Lyon, Redwood, Beltrami, Dakota, McLeod, Renville, Big Stone, Grant, Meeker, Rock, Blue Earth, Isanti, Murray, Scott, Carver, Kandiyohi, Nicollet, Stearns, Chippewa, Koochiching, Otter Tail, Stevens, Chisago, Lac Qui Parle, Pine, Washington, Clearwater, Lincoln, Ramsey and Watonwan.
Read more Wednesday in the West Central Tribune.
