WASHINGTON, D.C.- Sen. Pete Ricketts, on Wednesday, lauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's decision to declare a disaster in central Nebraska and allow certain counties to apply for emergency loan assistance following substantial droughts. This week, the USDA deemed 13 counties in Nebraska as primary natural disaster areas, as well as 31 counties as contiguous areas.

"Food security is national security, and it is essential we support our farmers and ranchers during tough seasons to ensure the continued production of our food supply," said Sen. Ricketts, "Nebraska farm operators have been struggling in the face of record-breaking drought conditions, and I encourage all eligible for the emergency assistance to apply."

The newly-deemed designation allows farm operators in the primary and contiguous counties to apply for FSA emergency loan assistance, and have around 8 months to do so. Primary counties affected by the immense drought include Custer, Knox, Saline, Valley, Dawson, Lancaster, Seward, York, Gage, Logan, Sherman, Garfield, and McPhereson Counties.

For the full article click HERE