Kentucky Farms Drought Declared Disaster
Posted on October 3, 2007
The drought this year in Louisville Kentucky (and surrounding areas like Shelbyville Kentucky, etc) set a record. Its #3 out of the 113 recorded years for the least amount of precipitation from May to August.
And its finally been brought to light on a national level. The acting US Agriculture Secretary Charles Conner has declared it a disaster because enough crops had been lost this year in the area. He notified Governor Fletcher, and his office released the notification publicly yesterday.
So, what does this mean for Kentucky Farms and Farmers? Well, unfortunately, it doesn’t mean a great deal. Essentially under the scope of the program, Kentucky farms that were hit hard and are able to demonstrate:
1. At least a 30% loss in a single crop, or the loss of livestock, their products, real estate/property.
AND
2. Are unable to borrow money from a bank
Are then elgible to apply for emergency loans up to $500,000.
But since many Kentucky farms are going to be able borrow money from a bank, they don’t qualify for the program.
Makes sense, right
Yea, it didn’t make any sense to me either.
There aren’t going to be a great deal of farmers that qualify for the disaster declaration benefits.
And even if they did qualify – what farmer out there needs MORE loans?
Seems like an insincere way of “helping” people out that are in a disaster stricken area. They essentially have made it so VERY few people can get help. And everyone else can basically suck eggs. Quite unfortunate and disappointing.
Hopefully next year will be better for Kentucky farms because it looks like we have to make it on our own.
» Filed Under Kentucky Horse Farms and Real Estate Tips, Louisville KY, Our Horse Farm, Shelbyville KY
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