Emergency Support to Producers in Surrounding Counties Also Available

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in four Michigan counties, the primary damaged area, who incurred 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 Aug. 12, 2019.

“Michigan’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Joel Johnson. “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.”

Tornado:

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Mecosta County, Michigan, who incurred losses due a tornado that occurred Sept. 1, 2018.
Producers in the contiguous counties of Clare, Isabella, Lake, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola in Michigan are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.

High Winds:

Physical loss loans are available to eligible agricultural producers in Mason, Mecosta and Oceana counties in Michigan, who incurred losses due to high winds that occurred Aug. 27 through Aug. 29, 2018.

Producers in the contiguous counties of Clare, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo and Osceola in Michigan 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 https://www.farmers.gov/recover.   back...