Friday, August 3, 2007

Farmers Eligible For Drought Damage Assistance

   Local farmers will now be eligible to receive assistance for crop damages incurred due to prevalent drought conditions.

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen’s request for Federal Farm Assistance for all 95 counties of the state.

   State officials report that farmers across the state have experienced damages to various crops, including corn, wheat and soybeans. Some farmers have reported loses as high as 70%.

   In spite of recent rains, state officials report that nearly 40% of the state’s corn crops, 30% of soybeans, and 60% of hay and pastures are currently rated as poor to very poor condition. 

   Qualified farm operators will be eligible to make application for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA Farm Service Agency.

   Farmers with production losses are encouraged to contact the local USDA Service Center for information on emergency assistance as well as hay and grazing opportunities on Conservation Reserve Program lands.

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