Texas Gov. Requests USDA Assistance for 2 Counties

Texas Gov. Rick Perry has requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency provide disaster relief assistance for Hutchinson and Williamson counties where farms and ranches experienced damage due to severe weather conditions beginning on Oct. 1, 2004.

Hutchinson County requested assistance due to damage from excessive rain and snow. Initial reports indicate that more than 12,000 acres of cotton, wheat and sorghum have been damaged. Williamson County requested assistance due to damage from excessive rain and flash flooding. Initial reports indicate that about 6,000 acres of wheat, oats and pecans have been damaged.

If the USDA request is approved, qualified farm operators in designated counties will be eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

Producers can borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses, or a maximum of $500,000. The agency offers additional programs, such as technical assistance, to eligible farmers.