ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — New services are bringing relief to farm families hit by heavy rains that caused extensive damage across southern Minnesota last September.

The rains dumped as much as 11 inches of water that washed out roads, flooded fields and destroyed 80 homes. Twenty-nine counties were declared disaster areas.

The recovery is far from over. So Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are working to help farm families bounce back through Farm C.O.R.E., which stands for case management, outreach, referral and education.

Lutheran Social Service professionals will work with farm families to assess their needs, create action plans and connect them to other services.

Farm families in the 29 counties can call Lutheran Social Service directly at 507-625-7660 or the Minnesota Farmer Assistance Network at 1-877-898-6326.

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