MADISON, Wis. — Federal officials have approved natural-disaster designations for 24 Wisconsin counties where excessive rain and snow resulted in crop losses.
The counties are generally in west-central Wisconsin and along the eastern border. The areas experienced multiple thaws and refreezes, along with heavy rain and snow, from January through late May.
State officials sought to have the counties named as natural-disaster areas. On Wednesday the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved all 24 designations.
With the designations, farmers who meet certain requirements are eligible for assistance, including emergency loans. Loan applications are judged based on the extent of crop losses and the ability of the farmer to repay the loan.
