May 14, 2010

Five western Nebraska counties have been designated as agricultural disaster areas due to significant millet crop losses resulting from
severe winter conditions.

The designation allows farmers in Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Kimball, and Morrill counties to apply for federal emergency loans and other federal assistance programs. The disaster designation certifies that each county has suffered at least a 30% loss of the millet crop.

“This past fall and winter created challenging harvest conditions for farmers,” said Governor Dave Heineman. “The months of rain and snow prevented some producers from being able to harvest last year’s millet crop before it became unsalvageable. I am pleased the Secretary [of Agriculture] granted the designation so those needing help can seek assistance.”

An agricultural disaster designation provides affected farmers in the designated counties, and those counties surrounding designated ones with access to federal assistance programs. Contiguous counties covered in this designation include: Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan and Sioux counties.

News Release
Nebraska Governor's Office