Blunt seeks federal money for farm losses in 29 counties

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt is seeking federal assistance for farmers in 29 counties affected by last month's Missouri River flood.

In a letter sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, Blunt asked that farmers in western and central Missouri be eligible for federal money to compensate them for lost potential income.

Heavy rain in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and northwestern Missouri led to widespread flooding of the Missouri River and its tributaries, especially in northern and western Missouri.

Blunt in a written statement said crops were damaged by water and fields were littered by debris and covered in silt and sand.

"Many Missouri farmers have suffered extraordinary losses due to excessive rain and flood damage," Blunt said.

The counties that could be eligible for assistance are Andrew, Atchison, Boone, Buchanan, Caldwell, Callaway, Carroll, Cass, Chariton, Clay, Clinton, Cole, Cooper, Daviess, DeKalb, Gentry, Harrison, Holt, Howard, Jackson, Lafayette, Livingston, Moniteau, Nodaway, Osage, Platte, Ray, Saline and Worth counties.

Last month, Blunt requested federal assistance for local governments and residents in 26 Missouri counties. Boone, Caldwell, Callaway, Clinton, Cole and Cooper counties were included only for agricultural relief.