INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The USDA has approved requests from Illinois and Indiana to declare 140 counties across both states disaster areas because of flooding and excessive rain.

In Illinois, 87 counties received a disaster declaration, as did 53 in Indiana. The decisions, announced last week, will allow farmers in those counties to apply for low-interest emergency loans.

Producers in counties bordering those designated as disaster areas – 14 in Illinois and 35 in Indiana – are also eligible to secure loans. Loans are available to restore or replace essential property, to pay all or part of production costs in the disaster year and to pay essential family living expenses, the USDA said.

They may also be used to reorganize the farming operation and refinance some debts.

Farmers may borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses to a maximum of $500,000.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner requested the disaster declaration in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack on July 23. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence made his request on July 28. A loss of at least 30 percent on a specific crop in a county is required for a disaster declaration.

"Illinois has suffered a lot of storm and rain damage throughout this spring and summer," Rauner noted. "I am pleased our request for federal assistance was granted and encourage farmers throughout these counties to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) for questions."

In Indiana, corn and soybean losses could reach $475 million, according to Chris Hurt, Purdue University extension agricultural economist.

Other affected crops include alfalfa, grasses, peas and pumpkins, said Julia A. Wickard, Indiana state executive director for the FSA.

"Farms in counties all across the state have suffered because of the excessive rainfall we’ve experienced during our spring and summer months this year," Pence said. "I’m thankful to the Indiana Farm Service Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for recognizing the need for assistance for our Hoosier farmers, and I hope those affected will apply for the loans they need."

To be eligible for a loan, producers must own or operate the property in a designated disaster county or in an adjacent county, the USDA said. They must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States and must be established farm operators.

They must have suffered at least a 30 percent loss in crop production, livestock, livestock products, real estate or chattel property. They also must have an acceptable credit history, be unable to receive commercial credit, be able to provide collateral to secure the loan and have repayment ability.

Farmers should contact their local FSA office for more information or to apply.