Farmers Hit By March Storm Can Apply For Funds

Farms and ranches that received storm damage last month may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program.

White County Farm Service Agency Executive Director Chad Huddleston said farms damaged in White, Putnam and Van Buren Counties are eligible for relief.

“We have a cost share program that would assist in debris getting cleaned up and fences put back to try and get the farms as close as they were possible before the storms hit,” Huddleston said.

Huddleston said farmers would receive up to 75% of the restoration cost. Relief would be based on the amount of hours worked while cleaning and repairing fences.

“The main thing is to document what you are doing,” Huddleston said. “If you an take pictures before we get out there, that’s a good idea, and then start the application process.”

Farm Service Agency county committees will complete on-site evaluations and determine how much relief to allocate. Inspection completion does not guarantee funding. After the application is approved, farmers will have six months to remove debris and make repairs. Huddleston said the minimum amount of restoration required to qualify is $1,000 while $200,000 is the maximum.

Farm Service Agency’s offices are currently closed to the public, but farmers can call 931-738-7822 to set up an appointment to start the application process. The deadline to apply is May 22nd.