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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACTS:

July 20, 2015 Kristi Jones (217) 558-1546

Rebecca Clark (217) 785-5485

STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICIALS TOUR FARMLAND IMPACTED BY RECENT HEAVY RAINS, FLOODING

WATSEKA, IL – Director Philip Nelson, along with representatives of the U.S. Farm Service Agency, U.S. Rural Development, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, agribusinesses, and the local farming community, toured farmland in Iroquois County, which has undergone extensive damage from continual heavy rainfall.

“Folks on the ground have indicated that approximately 40% of crops in Iroquois county are under water,” said Director of Agriculture Philip Nelson. “The Department is working with the Farm Service Agency to secure Secretarial Disaster Designation for portions of the state impacted by the recent rains and flooding.”

Farm Service Agency (FSA) representatives have been in Iroquois county surveying damage and talking with local farmers about what federal assistance may become available. The State Emergency Board (SEB) will be convened by the FSA once completed county damage reports are submitted. The SEB will review the findings of reports and ultimately determine whether a recommendation will be forwarded to USDA Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack to approve a Secretarial Disaster Designation for portions or all of Illinois.

“Right now we are in the assessment stage, where farmers are working with their county farm service agency representatives to determine the extent of the damage to their farms,” said Scherrie Giamanco, Illinois State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency. “That detailed information is essential for substantiating the need for a Secretarial Disaster Designation in a timely manner.”

Governor Rauner has activated the State Emergency Operations Center several times recently, including the evening of July 16, 2015, in response to northern Illinois tornadoes and flooding in areas across the state. Federal, state, city, county, and township officials are working closely together to maintain a united approach during the response and recovery phases.

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If your crops or livestock are impacted by recent flooding:

·  Contact your insurance provider

·  Contact Illinois State Farm Service Agency at (217) 241-6600

·  Do not walk through or attempt to drive through flowing water. It is important to remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

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