FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

COMMISSIONER FARMER APPLAUDS DISASTER DECLARATION

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer expressed his gratitude to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for making Kentucky farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans because of this year’s extreme drought.

“This year’s weather has created a tremendous hardship for thousands of Kentucky farmers,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I’ve heard from many farmers who tell me they’ve lost crop income or had to sell cattle because they can’t feed them. The emergency loans will help our farmers get through the winter and hopefully to better days ahead.”

USDA declared all 120 Kentucky counties a disaster area, triggering the emergency loans. Commissioner Farmer joined with other state leaders in August to seek the declaration.

The drought and an April freeze together damaged about 50 percent of Kentucky‘s forages. The lack of forages has made it difficult for livestock producers and horse farmers to feed their animals and store an adequate supply for the coming winter. The drought also reduced yields for corn, soybeans, tobacco and other crops.

As agriculture commissioner and president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Commissioner Farmer is working to get disaster aid for Kentucky into the Farm Bill. “Congress has the resources to make a big difference in a disaster of this scale,” Commissioner Farmer said. “I urge the senators and representatives to work with all deliberate speed to help our farmers.“

Producers who would like more information on applying for emergency disaster loans should contact the Farm Service Agency office that serves their county, Commissioner Farmer said.

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