Area farmers, ranchers and others might now be able to get some financial assistance for losses caused by March’s heavy rains and severe weather after the Federal Government recently declared Warren County a disaster area.

“Emergency loans for Warren County farmers, ranchers, and operators are available through the Yazoo Office of the Farm Service Agency,” William Leflore Jr., FSA Acting farm loan manager, said.

Warren County is contiguous to the primary natural disaster area. Therefore, it has been designated eligible for Federal Disaster assistance pursuant to Section 321 (a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

“Heavy rains this time of year could affect crops by delaying planting,” MSU extension agent Anna McCain said previously. “If we look at yield according to planting date, it tends to appear as a bell curve. By planting too early, we run the risk of frost and cold damage and by planting too late we increase insect pressure on our crops.

“Our recent weather has had a significant impact on Warren County crops, forest lands and landscape plants. Pasturelands suffered greatly, forcing cattle farmers to feed early in the year. This means they will have extra expenses throughout the winter providing feed and hay for their cattle.” She said row crop farmers have also suffered from the recent heavy rains.

Applications for assistance in the disaster-stricken county will be accepted by FSA through Dec. 19, 2016.

Farmers qualifying for emergency loans may borrow up to 100 percent of their actual production loss or the amount needed to restore their operation to its pre-disaster condition, whichever is less.

The new emergency loan and outstanding principal balance of any existing emergency loan owed by the applicant or any individual member of an entity cannot exceed $500,000.00.

FSA emergency loans cover losses from designated disasters and are made to qualified farmers who cannot obtain credit from other lenders in the local area.