Heavy rain followed by freezing temperatures last fall caused big harvesting problems in the sugar beet fields, so Mahnomen County has now been designated a primary agricultural disaster area. Farmers in the adjoining counties of Becker, Clearwater, Norman and Polk also are eligible for disaster benefits.

Farmers in all those counties are eligible for emergency loans and supplemental federal assistance.

Farmers located in the designated counties should contact their local FSA office for more information about the Emergency Loan Program administered by FSA. Emergency loan funds may be used to restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, reorganize the farming operation and refinance certain debts.

“Farmers in these counties were challenged by wet fields at harvest time and crop damage caused by cold temperatures,” Gov. Tim Pawlenty said. “This agricultural disaster designation will help farm operators who suffered losses this fall.”