FSA aid deadline announced by administrator

Farmers looking for financial help may consider the SURE program from the USDA.
Farmers looking for financial help may consider the SURE program from the USDA.
Dealing with natural disasters is a fact of life for many farmers, one that could lead them to losing out on the crops they produce.

However, the government does provide assistance through a variety of programs, including the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments initiative. The SURE program is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency.

Recently, FSA Administrator Jonathan Coppess said that the deadline for 2008 SURE payments is set at September 30 of this year. After that, payments for 2009 will start to be processed.

"We want producers to be aware of this deadline so they are certain to visit their FSA county office to file a 2008 SURE program payment application no later than September 30, 2010," Coppess said.

The USDA also offers low-interest loans for farm equipment users and others who have faced losses as a result of natural disasters. Along with diseases that afflict crops and animals, these funds can help deal with losses resulting from severe weather.

Those who are interested can consult with the FSA's website, www.fsa.usda.gov.ADNFCR-2034-ID-19918076-ADNFCR