Loans available for producers affected by natural disasters in Arkansas

Arkansas and Oklahoma agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency offers these low-interest loans for losses caused by three separate disaster events. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock.

“Hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” State Executive Director Scott Biggs said. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. So, we’re giving affected county producers until March 26, 2019, to apply for these emergency loans.”

Freeze

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Independence County, Arkansas, who incurred losses due to a freeze that occurred from April 5 through April 8, 2018.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Cleburne, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Sharp, Stone and White in Arkansas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

Tornadoes

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Conway and Crawford counties in Arkansas who incurred losses due to tornadoes that occurred on April 13, 2018.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Faulkner, Franklin, Madison, Perry, Pope, Sebastian, Van Buren, Washington and Yell in Arkansas and Adair and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

High winds and hail

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Cross and St. Francis counties in Arkansas, who incurred losses due to high winds and hail that occurred on June 2, 2018.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Crittenden, Jackson, Lee, Monroe, Poinsett and Woodruff in Arkansas are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

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. 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 or to find your local USDA Service Center visit www.farmers.gov.