Three counties in Iowa have been designated as primary natural disaster areas and assistance is available for producers.

The designation is for the recent drought in Mahaska, Monroe, and Appanoose Counties. Also, farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties qualify for natural disaster assistance, this includes Keokuk County. Farm operators in these areas are eligible for Farm Service Agency emergency loans, and have eight months from September 29th to apply for these to help cover part of their actual losses due to the drought.