The US Department of Agriculture has designated Boone County, along with four other counties in Northwest Arkansas, as primary natural disaster areas because of problems caused by armyworms.

The Armyworm is regarded as a pest and can wreak havoc with crops if left to multiply. They will eat everything in an area and once the food supply is exhausted the entire "army" will move to the next available food source.

Officials say Fulton, Izard, Madison and Sharp counties are also named as disaster areas.

Farmers in 14 neighboring counties in Arkansas and Missouri who suffered damage and losses caused by armyworms beginning April 1^st will also be eligible for disaster assistance.

Low interest emergency loans from the Farm Service agency will be available to farmers included in the declaration area.  Those affected have eight months to apply for loans to help cover actual losses.