Help is available for farmers in 14 counties in Kansas who suffered crop or livestock losses due to drought, excessive winds and above normal temperatures that occurred between Jan. 1, 2006, and now.
Farm Service Agency (FSA) farm loan manager, Jane M. Armitage said that Greenwood, Lyon, Wabaunsee and Woodson Counties also became eligible under existing legislation which provides that farmers in counties bordering on those which have been designated for disaster assistance, also may qualify for such assistance. Applications for assistance will be accepted by FSA until Sept. 10, 2007.
“Loans covering physical and/or production losses may be made at a 3.75 percent interest rate, and are scheduled for repayment as rapidly as feasible, consistent with the applicant’s ability to pay,” Armitage said.
FSA loans covering physical losses may be used to replace installations, equipment, livestock or buildings (including homes), lost through this disaster.
FSA loans covering production losses may be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to make payments on real estate and chattel debts.
“Funds can also be used for other essential operating and living expenses,” Armitage said.
To be eligible for an emergency disaster loan, an applicant must be operating a family size farm or ranch, must be unable to get credit elsewhere, and must have suffered a qualifying physical and/or loss from the disaster.
Farmers who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction to at least one cropping enterprise, may have a qualifying production loss. Emergency disaster production loss loans cover 100 percent of qualifying losses. Loan availability is limited to $500,000 less the outstanding principal of any and all prior emergency loans.
Applications should be made at the FSA County Office, 3020 W. 18th Ave., Emporia, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).