Emergency farm loans available

Tehama County has been named one of eight counties in the state found eligible for USDA emergency farm loans because of physical and production losses based on damages and losses caused by drought that occurred Jan. 1, 2008, and thereafter.

Farmers in Tehama County have eight months to apply for the loans to help cover part of their actual losses, according to Tom Roberts, Tehama County’s Farm Service Agency manager.

Some of the eligibility requirements:

• Have suffered at least 30 percent loss of normal production directly related to drought.

• Be able to repay the loan and any other loans.

• Be unable to obtain credit elsewhere.

• Have adequate security.

• Have multi-peril crop insurance, if available.

• Meet other eligibility criteria.

All applicants must complete a certification of disaster losses, which reflects the exact dates and nature of the disaster and how it caused the loss or damage.

Applications should be filed with the Tehama County, Farm Service Center, 2 Sutter St., Suite C, Red Bluff, CA 96080.