Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday that the state is requesting a U.S. Department of Agriculture secretarial disaster designation for 88 counties, including Jackson, due to losses caused by flooding and excessive rain this planting season.

“Heavy and persistent rainfall has saturated fields across the state, hurting Indiana crops and our farmers,” Holcomb said. “As I continue to monitor this situation, Hoosier farmers can rest assured that we will keep a close eye on the long-term effects of these relentless rains.”

The request was made Friday in a letter to Sonny Perdue, U.S. Department of Agriculture secretary. The letter was signed by Holcomb, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Steven Brown, executive director of Indiana Farm Service Agency.