ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota is offering grants to farmers in 15 counties who suffered losses due to heavy rains and flooding in June.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it’s now accepting applications from farmers in Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Goodhue, Itasca, Kandiyohi, Lake, Meeker, Pine, Rice, Sibley, and St. Louis counties.

Gov. Mark Dayton and state legislators created the grant program as part of the disaster aid passed during the one-day special legislative session Aug. 24. Applications must be postmarked by Oct.  24. The funds are expected to be delivered in January.

Information about the program is available on the MDA web site, or by phone from the agency’s Farmer Assistance Network at 1-877-898-6326.

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