Dec 28, 2018

Grand Traverse County, Michigan, others national disaster areas

This designation by Secretary Perdue allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts.

“We are always thankful for USDA’s recognition of situations that transpire as a result of bad weather,” said Michigan Farm Bureau’s Horticulture Specialist, Kevin Robson. “Our farmer members are arguably the most vulnerable to adverse weather conditions, and these emergency loan opportunities we hope will help mind the gap, to keep growers on point for next year’s production cycle. Bottom line, these emergency loans help some farmers stay in business.”

The deadline to apply for these emergency loans is Aug. 13, 2019.

FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.

FSA has a variety of additional programs to help farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. FSA programs that do not require a disaster declaration include: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Operating and Farm Ownership Loans;and the Tree Assistance Program.

Photo: Cherries damaged by hail in northwest Michigan. Photo: Mark Longstroth, MSU Extension