USDA Declares Disaster Designation For Tennessee’s Drought Conditions

August 2, 2007, WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared a natural disaster designation for all 95 counties in Tennessee due to losses caused by extreme drought conditions and high heat from May 1 to present, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced today.

“USDA made the right decision,” said Gordon. “I’ve witnessed the severity of Middle Tennessee’s drought conditions, and I hope this assistance will provide some much-needed relief to our farmers.”

Gov. Phil Bredesen had requested a federal disaster designation for all of Tennessee to help farmers who have suffered crop and livestock losses as a result of extreme drought conditions. Gordon had contacted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to encourage the department to act quickly on the governor’s request.

Rainfall is below normal for this time of year by 10 inches or more, hindering the growth of major crops, such as corn and soybeans. Hay production is down 50-80 percent, which is having an impact on the state’s $500 million cattle production.

The disaster designation makes farmers eligible for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Affected farmers can contact their local Farm Services Agency office to apply.