A change in drought disaster status for one area county now means ag producers in several area counties can start the process for emergency loans.
The US Department of Agriculture has made Greenwood County a primary county for disaster declaration purposes. This step lets the Farm Service Agency extend credit through emergency loans to producers needing funds to meet various needs, including replacing equipment or livestock, reorganizing farm operations or refinancing certain debts.
Making Greenwood County a primary county means Lyon, Chase and Coffey are now contiguous counties, meaning ag producers in those counties can also apply for emergency loans. Chase and Greenwood counties were listed as contiguous recently when Butler County was named a primary county.
Counties become eligible for federal emergency aid if the US Drought Monitor lists them as in severe drought for at least eight straight weeks during the growing season. Counties also qualify if they are in extreme or exceptional drought. Greenwood County has had all three drought levels for over a month.
The FSA reviews loans based on the extent of producer losses, available security and repayment ability. Click here for a link to the FSA information page online.
