Page 6 - Emergency Conservation Program News Today

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture designated parts of the state disaster areas, which opened up new avenues for farmers to receive aid.

Bay State farmers whose crops were destroyed in recent floods can now apply for low-interest loans and refinance existing loans, after the U.S. Department of<a class="excerpt-read-more" href="https://whdh.com/news/usda-makes-federal-help-available-to-mass-farmers/">Read More</a>

Disaster Declaration In 7 MA Counties Means Help For Farmers - Worcester, MA - Farms in Massachusetts can access USDA loans after recent heavy rains destroyed crops and fields.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated Flathead and Lincoln counties primary natural disaster areas Monday.

The states Department of Agricultural Resources estimated that about 2,000 acres of crops worth at least $15 million were lost statewide.

The seven Massachusetts counties designated as primary natural disaster areas are Berkshire, Bristol, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Norfolk and Worcester. Contiguous counties are also eligible, including Dukes, Middlesex, Plymouth and Suffolk.

Hurricane season is officially underway, lasting from June 1 until November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that the 2023 hurricane season will be near normal in the Atlantic and produce 12 to 17 named storms, of which five to nine could become hurricanes, including one to four major hurricanes.

Gianforte noted that Montana is already in drought disaster status per a prior declaration.

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today called on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to identify 11 counties, including several in northwest Montana, as primary natural disaster areas. The

UPDATE 7/25: After Flathead County Commissioners sent a letter to Gov. Gianforte, requesting a Disaster Declaration as Flathead Lake water levels drop, Gianforte has asked the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture