By Andi Anderson
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering low-interest physical loss loans through its Farm Service Agency (FSA) to help farmers recover from damages caused by a derecho and severe storm.
These loans are designed to repair or replace essential physical property necessary for the success of agricultural operations, including livestock losses.
Eligible losses include damaged or destroyed farm buildings, equipment, fixtures, perennial crops, fruit and nut trees, harvested crops, and hay.
This program is vital for helping farmers rebuild and sustain their livelihoods after unexpected disasters.
The assistance is available to farmers in Illinois affected by the storms and heavy rainfall that occurred from July 15 to July 18, 2024.
Fulton County is the primary eligible area, with additional coverage for the contiguous counties of Knox, McDonough, Mason, Peoria, Schuyler, Tazewell, and Warren.
Farmers must apply by July 21, 2025, to access these funds. The program, issued under Secretarial Major Disaster Notification S5882, aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote agricultural recovery.
To better understand loan options and other USDA programs, farmers can visit farmers.gov.
Tools such as the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Loan Assistance Tool, and Disaster Assistance-at-a-Glance fact sheet can guide applicants in determining their eligibility.
Farmers can file a Notice of Loss or get more information by contacting their local USDA Service Center.
This initiative reflects the USDA’s commitment to supporting agricultural communities in times of crisis, ensuring farmers have the resources needed to recover and thrive.
For affected farmers, these low-interest loans provide a critical lifeline to restore operations and protect their agricultural futures.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy