USDA Declares Disasters in Four States

June 26, 2000

USDA has declared parts of Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, and New Mexico agricultural disaster areas due to drought, making farmers in those areas eligible for emergency low-interest loans. USDA also is allowing livestock grazing on some Conservation Reserve Program land in areas experiencing serious drought conditions. Loans also will be provided ranchers to get needed water to their livestock.

"This has been a devastating year for America's farmers and ranchers, following last year's drought and historically low prices," said Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman. "USDA is responding quickly and in every way we can to help."

The disaster declaration covers 64 of Alabama's 67 counties, 41 of Florida's 67 counties, 17 of Nebraska's 93 counties, and 27 of New Mexico's 33 counties. All contiguous counties are also covered by the declaration and therefore eligible for the same benefits. The declaration makes qualified family-sized farm operators in both primary and contiguous counties eligible for low-interest emergency USDA loans.

Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of this declaration to apply for the loans to help cover part of their actual losses. USDA's Farm Service Agency will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, repayment ability, and other eligibility requirements.

Emergency grazing of CRP acreage is permitted only after a natural disaster, such as drought or flood, damages the growth of hay or pasture (40% loss of normal growth and 40% deviation from normal moisture). Emergency haying has not been authorized at this time.

Interested farmers may contact their local FSA offices for further information. Additional information is available on the web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/disaster/assistance1.htm