Weather prompts disaster declaration for Idaho counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated eight counties in Idaho as primary natural disaster areas.

Bingham, Bonneville, Clark, Minidoka, Blaine, Cassia, Jefferson and Power counties got the classification Wednesday after the flash flooding and hail that occurred from July 25 to Sept. 1.

In addition, the USDA said farmers and ranchers in bordering Bannock, Custer, Lemhi, Oneida, Butte, Elmore, Lincoln, Teton, Camas, Fremont, Madison, Twin Falls, Caribou and Jerome counties qualify for natural disaster assistance. Neighboring farmers in other states also qualify, including those in Teton and Lincoln counties in Wyoming.

This move by the USDA allows farmers in these areas to be eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency. Farmers have eight months to apply for the loans to help cover part of their losses. FSA will consider every application on a case-by-case basis. For more information, go to http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

“Our hearts go out to those Idaho farmers and ranchers affected by recent natural disasters,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in a news release posted Thursday. “President Obama and I are committed to ensuring that agriculture remains a bright spot in our nation’s economy by sustaining the successes of America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through these difficult times. We’re also telling Idaho producers that USDA stands with you and your communities when severe weather and natural disasters threaten to disrupt your livelihood.”