JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Brian Munzlinger, R-Williamstown, announced today (6-4) the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated several counties in the 18th Senatorial District as natural disaster areas, following spring storms and flooding.

“We have gone back and forth, from floods to droughts, and back again for the past three years,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “I am very concerned about our farmers throughout northeast Missouri. No sooner than the effects of last year’s drought finally subsided, we have been hit with tornadoes and terrible floods. I encourage those who may qualify to find out more information about the federal assistance that has been made available.”

Three of the counties affected in the 18th Senatorial District — Clark, Schuyler and Scotland — border counties in Iowa that have been declared primary disasters because of severe weather that occurred from mid to late April.

In addition, Marion, Pike and Ralls counties are contiguous to counties in Illinois that have been declared primary disasters because of severe weather that occurred between April 16 and May 5. Farmers in these counties who suffered losses are eligible for low-interest loans and other federal assistance. A disaster designation allows eligible farmers to be considered for assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), including FSA emergency loans.

“Hopefully, weather patterns will soon change, and we can resume a regular summer in our part of the state,” Sen. Munzlinger said. “Until then, federal low-interest loans and other assistance can help farmers stay above ground. Anything that can be done to help our farmers will pay big dividends in the long run, for both our producers and consumers.”