UPPER PENINSULA -- Help for struggling farmers in the Upper Peninsula is now available.

According to Congressman Bart Stupak, the entire First Congressional District in Michigan has been designated as either a primary or contiguous natural disaster area.

This is due to the weather conditions from the past year, including excessive snow, flooding and early frost.

The designation means that farm operators can apply for emergency loans and get help through the supplemental revenue assistance payments program.

Contact your local farm service agency to learn more.