An agricultural disaster designation has been approved for some Southern Tier and Central New York counties.

State officials had sought the status following losses related to drought and unusually warm conditions that occurred since June.

The counties listed in the primary disaster area are Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Oneida and Otsego.

Also included in the disaster zone are Tioga, Herkimer and Oswego counties.

Farm operators in these counties may be able to obtain federal assistance, including emergency loans.

Farmers now have eight months to apply for emergency loans.

Federal officials say each loan request will be considered on its merits. They say the extent of production losses will be considered, along with the applicants ability to repay the loan.

 

 

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