Sutter County Weighs Disaster Declaration After Hail Storm Pelts Crops

SUTTER COUNTY (CBS13) — Damage from Thursday's hail storm has Sutter County farmers asking to declare parts of the region a disaster area.

With quarter-sized hail pounding crops for hours, some farmers are saying they've lost everything.

Sutter County Agricultural Commissioner Lisa Herbert says she is so concerned about the damage, she says she may have to call the feds for help.

"The concerns at this point are crop damage," she said.

Farmers are telling her the quarter-sized hail did major damage to the peach, almond and walnut crops.

"I've heard some significant numbers up to 100 percent in certain crops," she said.

That's what her team and county biologists are finding during their assessment. Branches and precious crops are on the ground in water-logged orchards. With a significant enough loss, the feds can designate parts of the county a disaster area, opening the door for loans and financial aid from the government to help recover.

So what do they need to lose to qualify?

"Thirty percent per crop," Herbert said. "So, Thirty percent loss in peaches. Thirty percent loss in walnuts. That would have to happen before we can declare a disaster."

County officials are hoping looming storms in the coming days don't increase those losses.