Illinois officials want federal aid for flooded-out farmers

Chronicle Media
More than half of Illinois' 2015 soybean crop and 44 percent of the corn crop are in poor to fair condition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. (Danville Commercial News)

More than half of Illinois’ 2015 soybean crop and 44 percent of the corn crop are in poor to fair condition, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. (Danville Commercial News)

Officials with the Illinois U.S. Department of Agriculture  said July 22 they plan to ask for a federal disaster declaration so that  farmers with flood-damaged crops can be eligible for emergency loans and assistance, according to reports.

The Farm Service Agency under the USDA reportedly said that county offices for the agency have collected flood damage reports from farmers across the state.

June was the wettest one on record for Illinois and heavy rains and storms in July have helped keep flood warnings up for many Central Illinois  waterways, including along the Illinois River.

The USDA’s field latest field report revealed more than half of Illinois’ soybean crop and 44 percent of the corn crop were in poor to fair condition.

In 2014, the state reported record production for corn and soybeans, according to reports. Illinois farmers produced an average of  200 bushels an acre of corn and 56 bushels an acre of soybeans last year, according to reports.

 

 

— Illinois officials want federal aid for flooded-out farmers —