FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) EMERGENCY LOANS AVAILABLE

            July 28, 2006: Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, designated all 77 counties in Oklahoma as primary disaster areas due to losses caused by drought, extreme heat, and high winds that occurred January 1, 2006, and is continuing.  The disaster determination allows eligible farmers in all 77 counties to apply for emergency loan assistance from the Farm Service Agency, according to Vernon Dale Whitney, Farm Loan Manager for Beckham/Roger Mills County.

            Emergency loan funds may be used to purchase seed, fertilizer, fuel, and repairs.  “A farmer can use the money for the most essential operating and living costs,” Whitney said.  To be eligible for a loan, an applicant must have suffered losses as a direct result of the disaster and be unable to get credit from other sources.  Loans covering actual losses are at an interest rate of 3.75 per cent per annum.  The amount of the loan is determined by actual certification of loss less any compensation received, repayment capacity of the borrower, and availability of security.

            EM loan applications will be received through close of business March 27, 2007.  Farmers and ranchers, who believe they can qualify, may contact the Beckham County FSA Office at 580/928-3113 for additional details.

            The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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).  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights.  1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call 800-795-3272 (voice) or 202-720-6382 (TDD), USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.