U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator, Chris Beyerhelm, today announced that physical loss loans are available for farmers and ranchers in two Texas counties who have suffered major physical losses caused by high winds that occurred on two separate occasions — May 3, 2017, and May 27, 2017.
For high winds that occurred May 3, 2017:
This Administrator’s Physical Loss Notification has been issued for Panola County as the primary damaged area.
Additionally, three Texas counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for programs based on this designation. The contiguous counties are Harrison, Rusk, and Shelby.
The following contiguous Parishes in Louisiana are also eligible for emergency loans: Caddo and De Soto.
For high winds that occurred May 27, 2017:
This Administrator’s Physical Loss Notification has been issued for Harrison and Panola counties as the primary damaged area.
Additionally, five Texas counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for programs based on this designation. The contiguous counties are Gregg, Marion, Rusk, Shelby, and Upshur.
The following contiguous Parishes in Louisiana are also eligible for emergency loans: Caddo and De Soto.
FSA’s low interest emergency (EM) loans may be made available to any applicant with a qualifying loss in the counties named above. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only.
Physical loss loans may be made to eligible farmers and ranchers to repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agriculture operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.
Producers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans for physical losses.
Please contact FSA for more information on loan eligibility and the application process. FSA office information is available at http://offices.usda.gov. Additional FSA disaster assistance program information is available at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.
Source: USDA FSA