USDA designated Chase, Cloud, Gove, Jewell, Lyon, Marshall, Rooks, Smith and Trego Counties as primary natural disaster areas, and Butler, Clay, Coffey, Ellis, Graham, Greenwood, Lane, Logan, Marion, Mitchell, Morris, Nemaha, Ness, Osage, Osborne, Ottawa, Phillips, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Scott, Sheridan, Thomas, Wabaunsee and Washington as contiguous disaster counties.

 “I am pleased USDA reviewed the significant production losses and declared these counties as disaster areas,” Senator Roberts said. “This declaration makes the affected Kansas producers eligible for much needed assistance and for some, the assistance is what will keep them in business.”

 This designation makes farm operators in both primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program depending on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

 Affected farmers should contact their local FSA office for more information:  http://www.fsa.usda.gov/ks/ .

 Senator Roberts is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.