Local farmers who experienced losses earlier this year may qualify for assistance from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a disaster declaration for Leelanau County for both drought and extreme heat as well as frost and freeze conditions in 2023.
More specifically cold and frost between April 17 through May 26 and drought and excessive heat beginning May 8 to present.
Twelve counties were included in the drought designation, primarily at the tip of the mitt. They are Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Emmet, Charlevoix, Otsego, Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. Clare, Gladwin and Midland counties were also issued the disaster designation.
The area impacted by frost and freeze incidents was smaller — with only three counties — Grand Traverse, Antrim and Leelanau counties.
Farmers in the disaster areas can now apply for low interest loans to offset any losses they may have experienced due to these weather conditions.
The first step for their assistance is to contact the local Farm Service Agency Office. Leelanau County farmers are served through the Grand Traverse County Office, located at 1501 S. Cass St., Suite A, Traverse City. Phone (231) 941-0951.
