HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Governor Steve Bullock announced on Friday that the US Department of Agriculture granted a secretarial natural disaster designation to 17 counties who requested federal assistance after suffering losses caused by multiple disasters during the 2019 crop year.
These multiple disasters included excessive moisture and snow, freezing, frost, hail, and high winds. This designation will make producers eligible or certain assistance from the Farm Service Agency, including emergency loans.
Of the 17 counties given the designation, those located in north-central Montana include Cascade, Chouteau, Daniels, McCone, Pondera, Roosevelt, Teton, Toole, and Valley.
In a statement, Bullock said, “Montana farmers faced extraordinary circumstances this season with snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and excessive rain that left them with unharvested crops and in a dire financial situation. I am thankful the USDA granted this secretarial natural disaster designation so farmers can access the critical resources they need to have a successful 2020 season.”
Impacted producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office.
