16 Illinois Counties Named Agricultural Disaster Areas

Illinois farmers will be eligible for federal aid now that 16 counties have been declared agricultural disaster areas.

The declaration is based on drought that damaged crops last year in southern and eastern Illinois. The state Agriculture Department said rainfall from August through November of last year was more than two inches below normal.

The declaration means farmers in those counties and seven adjoining counties can apply for financial assistance, including low-interest loans.

The 16 counties included in the disaster declaration are Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wayne, White and Williamson.

The adjoining counties eligible for aid are Clay, Jefferson, Marion, Perry, Randolph, Richland and Wabash.