Area county farmers qualify for disaster loans

Last year’s heavy rains in our area have officially been declared a natural disaster for farmers.

According to the US Department of Agriculture, seven southeastern Indiana counties centered on Jennings County now are eligible for emergency loan help through the Farm Service Agency. The assistance is meant to help producers recover from the natural disaster, which unfolded from April 1st through December 31st last year.

The loans can be used to replace essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganize farming operations or refinance some debts. The Farm Service Agency will review loan applications based on the losses, available security and ability for repayment.

The primary county designated for the relief is Jennings County, along with contiguous counties including Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Jefferson, Ripley and Scott counties.