By Whitney Wyatt
The Red River Sun
CHILDRESS – Texas agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in 41 counties who incurred losses caused by a winter storm that occurred from Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, according to a release from the Childress County USDA/FSA office. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due by Nov. 2.
“Texas’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said Acting State Executive Director Eddie Trevino. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.”
Emergency physical loss loans are available to producers Childress County, the release stated. Producers in the contiguous Texas counties, including Collingsworth, Cottle, Hardeman and Hall, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans. The contiguous Oklahoma counties, including Hamon, are also eligible.
Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses, the release stated. 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.
For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs, visit farmers.gov/recover.
