Farmers in the fourteen declared flood disaster counties can now get extra help for their losses.
Those farmers could always report crop and soil damage from the flood waters by going to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
But Donna Gilson at the state Ag department says farmers are homeowners and business owners too and they can now call the FEMA 800-number for extra help if they had flood damage to their home, barn, out-buildings or equipment.
There are reports some crop fields, particularly some organic ones, were wiped out by the floods. But Gilson says there's no real damage estimate yet other than to say it was "real bad".
Total crop damage from flooding and drought across the state won't be known until the harvest comes in but Gilson says flooding is different. It not only damages crops but can destroy the soil.
If farmers are confused by any of these claim procedures they can call a special number at the state Ag Department. 800-942-2474.
