The expiration date for filing applications for Emergency Disaster loans by farmers and ranchers in Allen, Bourbon, Cherokee, Crawford and Neosho Counties is October 1, according to Robert E. White, farm loan manager, for the Farm Service Agency.

White advised that those needing farm credit as a result of Severe Winter Storms on December 6 through December 19, 2007 and who think they are eligible for FSA assistance, should make their applications at the FSA County Office, 207 S. Summit, Girard, before the expiration date.

(Advertisement)

"Loans covering physical and/or production losses may be made at 3.75 percent interest rate, and are scheduled for repayment as rapidly as feasible, consistent with the applicant's reasonable ability to pay," said White.

FSA loans covering physical losses may be used to replace installations, equipment, livestock or buildings (including homes), lost through this disaster.

FSA loans covering production losses may be used to buy feed, seed, fertilizer, livestock, or to make payments on real estate and chattel debts.

"Funds can also be used for other essential operating and living expenses," White said.

To be eligible for an emergency disaster loan, an applicant must be operating a family size farm or ranch, must be unable to get credit elsewhere, and must have suffered a qualifying physical and/or production loss from the disaster.

Farmers who suffered at least a 30 percent reduction to at least one cropping enterprise, may have a qualifying production loss. Emergency disaster production loss loans cover qualifying losses, or up to $500,000.00.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information: Braille, large print, audiotape, etc. should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).