Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Baca and Prowers counties as contiguous disaster areas due to a freeze that occurred in April and May. The designations make farm operators in these counties eligible for federal assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“Whether it’s a late Spring freeze or persistent drought conditions, Colorado farmers and ranchers have run the gamut of severe weather that has taken a toll on their production,” Bennet said. “These disaster designations will help farmers recover losses they may have incurred due to the late season freeze earlier this year. Colorado’s economy depends on a strong agriculture industry, and this assistance will help producers facing tough times.”

Producers in counties designated as primary or contiguous disaster areas are eligible for assistance from the FSA. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for assistance. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with additional information.