Dry
conditions make Platte part of disaster area
by Mark
Vasto
Landmark reporter
The U.S. Department of Agriculture declared most of
northwest Missouri a disaster area on Friday due to
exceptionally dry conditions, a move that can make it
easier for area farmers to obtain loans from the Farm
Service Agency (FSA).
Bruce Smith, farm loan manager of the
Buchanan County Farm Service Agency, said he expected
to hear from those farmers in need.
"There's some people in that geo
area that had some pretty decent crops but a lot of
others had some poor yields," Smith said.
The loans do have special conditions,
however. While the loans can be used to restore or repair
equipment, replace production costs from the disaster
year, pay essential family living expenses or refinance
certain debts, they also carry the following restrictions:
• the farm must experience a 30%
loss in crop reduction from the previous year;
• the farmer must be unable to secure
credit from a commercial agency;
• the loan, which typically comes
in 1-7 year terms, must be fully collaterized.
According to Smith, seven farmers applied
for the special loans last season.
The disaster declaration came as welcome
news to Senator Jim Talent. Talent serves on the Senate
Agriculture Committee.
"This is good news for Missouri producers
in these drought-stricken areas," Talent said on
Friday. "I appreciate the Administration for their
continued support for Missourians who have been affected
by this disaster."
Farmers who wish to contact the FSA may
do so by calling (816) 364-3927 or by visiting http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov
online.
