SPRINGFIELD, IL – Sen. Mike Jacobs (D – Moline) was pleased this week to learn of federal disaster assistance being made available to Illinois farmers who suffered crop losses due to excessive rain and flooding this year.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the Governor’s request to designate 58 Illinois counties as natural disaster areas. These designated counties, as well as 30 adjacent counties will now be qualified for USDA assistance, including low-interest emergency loans.

“Heavy rains have hurt crop production this growing season,” Sen. Jacobs said. “I am grateful for the efforts taken by Governor Quinn and the USDA. These loans will aid in preparation and planting of new crops, as well as help farmers regain what they have lost.”

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Illinois Field Office, about 100,000 acres of corn that would have been harvested for grain or silage were abandoned due to extremely wet conditions.

Local counties include Mercer and Whiteside, as well as adjoining counties Carroll and Rock Island.