Farmers in several Alabama counties, including Cherokee, will have access to emergency loans due to excessive rain and flooding since the beginning of the year.
50 counties in the state were named in the disaster declaration by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The primary counties include Cherokee, Calhoun, and Etowah.
DeKalb was named as a contiguous disaster county in accordance with section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.
Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries John McMillan says this has been one of the rainiest years on record and many farmers experienced significant losses.
He added he was encouraged that Secretary Thomas Vilsack honored the state’s request and is now offering necessary assistance.
Affected farmers have eight months to apply for the emergency loans.
(WAFF-TV)