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WASHINGTON -- Drought stricken farmers in 63 Missouri counties are now eligible for federal assistance, following a disaster declaration by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2012 was one of the driest years on record according to weather experts. Linn County is the only county named as one of the 31 primary counties in the declaration. In addition the counties of Adair, Macon, Shelby and Sullivan were included in the disaster declaration as contiguous counties.

This declaration will make farmers in these counties eligible for low interest loans and other federal assistance. Affected farmers can contact their local farm service agency office for more information on available help.