DRIPPING SPRINGS BABBLE: HAYS COUNTY AG PRODUCERS ELIGIBLE FOR EMERGENCY LOAN ASSISTANCE

HAYS COUNTY AG PRODUCERS ELIGIBLE FOR EMERGENCY LOAN ASSISTANCE

Hays County has been approved as a primary natural disaster area for damage and losses caused by the ongoing drought, above-normal temperatures and associated wildfires that began January 1, 2009. The declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture allows affected agricultural producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans through the Farm Services Agency (FSA).

Hays County Judge Liz Sumter requested the declaration March 2 after reports showed that some crops in Hays County were total losses and that ranchers were being forced to sell off livestock due to lack of water and feed. Judge Sumter says she is encouraging our agricultural producers to take advantage of these loans to help re-establish their livelihoods, as even the recent rains have not alleviated the extreme drought situation and indications are it will continue

The FSA will consider each loan application on its own merit, taking into account the extent of losses, available security and repayment ability. The FSA will take applications through Dec. 28, 2009.

For more information about loan applications, see the FSA’s emergency loan information or contact the FSA’s area farm loan manager, Raecene Randall, at the FSA Office at 3251 N. Hwy. 123 Bypass, Seguin, (830) 379-0932.