Staff and Wire Reports
Farmers in the Emporia area may benefit from the recently passed federal stimulus program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency is using $145 million in stimulus money for its direct operating farm loan program.
Sixty-three farmers in Kansas have already received loans through the program, and the agency said Tuesday that more loans will be granted daily as money is available. The money is expected to fund loans to about 2,042 farmers. The maximum loan amount is $300,000.
According to the agency’s Web site, operating loans may be used to buy livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, chemicals and insurance and to meet other operating expenses. The loans may also be used for minor improvements to buildings, costs associated with land and water development, family subsistence and, under some circumstances, to refinance debt.
Information and applications are available at the Lyon-Chase County Farm Service Agency, 3020 W. 18th Ave. in Emporia, call 343-2812 or e-mail jane.armitage@ks.usda.gov.