USDA Approves State’s Request for Secretarial Disaster Declaration

Published: August 13, 2015 By: Mary Perren, WKVI

Farmers throughout the state who suffered crop losses due to excessive rainfall can apply for low-interest emergency loans from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture yesterday approved a secretarial disaster declaration for 53 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Gov. Mike Pence, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman and Indiana Farm Service Agency Executive Director Julia A. Wickard made the request in late July after farmers suffered significant crop damage and losses as a result of flooding and excessive rain that started May 1st.

Starke, Pulaski, Marshall and LaPorte are among the 53 counties for which assistance was approved. Farmers in contiguous counties can also apply for loans. That provision makes nearly the entire state eligible for assistance. Click Disaster Declaration Counties 8.12.2015  for a complete list of eligible counties.

“Farms in counties all across the state have suffered because of the excessive rainfall we’ve experienced during our spring and summer months this year,” Pence said in a statement. “I’m thankful to the Indiana Farm Service Agency and the United States Department of Agriculture for recognizing the need for assistance for our Hoosier farmers, and I hope that those affected will apply for the loans they need.”

Farmers interested in applying for loans can visit  http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=in&agency=fsa and contact their local FSA offices for application details. Click US Department of Agriculture Information for details about loan uses, eligibility and loan requirements.

Calling All Farmers Interested in Getting Involved with the Community

Published: July 28, 2015 By: Jacque Ryan, WKVI

If you know someone interested in serving on a local Indiana Farm Service Agency County Committee, now is the time to submit that person’s name as a nominee for the 2015 County Committee Elections. Act fast because you only have until the beginning of August to submit your nomination.

FSA Indiana State Executive Director Julia Wickard has some advice for farmers, or friends of farmers interested in filling one of these positions, “From now through August 3rd you can nominate a candidate for your local FSA county committee and almost anyone participating or cooperating in an FSA program and of legal voting age can be nominated. Download the nomination form from our website or pick one up at your local FSA office.”

Indiana has a big focus on agriculture and by becoming an active member of the FSA you get to be a part of generations of Hoosier farmers who served to assist their communities. Wickard explained the importance of having local members serve on these committees, “FSA county committees are a vital link between the farm community and the US Department of Agriculture. Through the county committee system, farmers have a voice and their opinions and ideas are heard. So make a difference today by nominating a fellow farmer.”

The deadline to submit nominations is August 3rd, all forms must be postmarked or delivered to the county office by that date. Chances are, you know someone perfect for one of these positions. Get your application by following this link and send in your nomination as soon as possible.