Christian County and other surrounding counties received natural disaster designations after storms moved through the area at the end of March and early April. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack issued four separate disaster declarations for Illinois due to tornadoes and drought that occurred during the growing season.  

Designation 1 went to Bureau, Clark, Crawford, and surrounding counties ofr a tornado that occurred on March 31st.  Designation 2 went to Fulton county and surrounding counties for a tornado that occurred on April 4th. Designation 3 went to Henry, Mercer, Rock Island, Sangamon and surrounding counties including Christian, Macon, and Macoupin for tornadoes and high wind that occurred during March 31st through April 5th. 

Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director, praised farmers saying “Our Illinois farmers are resilient, facing uncertain weather conditions year after year.”  He thanked governor JB Pritzker for working with Secretary Vilsack and the USDA to ensure our farmers have the resources they need to come back after a natural disaster. 

This designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to producers recovering from natural disasters.  This assistance includes FSA emergency loans.  Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. Those eligible should contact their local USDA Service Center to ask questions or file a Notice of Loss.