Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture has designated Delta, Mesa, and Montrose counties as Primary Disaster areas due to losses suffered from frosts and freezes in April and May of this year. Additionally, Garfield, Gunnison, Ouray, Pitkin, and San Miguel counties were designated as contiguous disaster counties. These designations make all eight counties eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), including emergency loans.

“There’s no denying that Colorado enjoys ideal conditions for farming and ranching, but each new season also brings its own set of weather challenges. Whether it’s persistent drought or freezing cold conditions, both extremes can have devastating effects on our agriculture industry,” Bennet said. “These disaster designations offer farmers and ranchers in these counties crucial assistance to help them offset losses due to a late season freeze.”

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