USDA offers low-interest loans for agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters
Minnesota 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 two separate disaster events. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due May 24.
“Minnesota’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Joe Martin. “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.”
Excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding and high winds
Physical loss loans are available to agricultural producers in the primary damaged area of Houston County, Minnesota, who incurred losses due to excessive rain, flash flooding, flooding and high winds that occurred Aug. 28 through Aug. 29.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Fillmore and Winona counties in Minnesota, along with Allamakee and Winneshiek counties in Iowa, and La Crosse and Vernon counties in Wisconsin, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
Tornado
Physical loss loans are available to agricultural producers in the primary damaged area of Goodhue County, Minnesota, who incurred losses due to a tornado that occurred Aug. 27.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Dakota, Dodge, Olmsted, Rice and Wabasha counties in Minnesota, along with Pepin and Pierce counties in Wisconsin, 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/recover.