USDA offers low-interest loans for producers in impacted by wildfire

Emergency support to producers in surrounding counties/border states also available

BOZEMAN — Montana agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture physical loss loans.

The Farm Service Agency offers the low-interest loans to agricultural producers in Gallatin County who incurred losses due to a wildfire that has occurred since Sept. 4. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due by May 28, 2021.

“Montana’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” State Executive Director Michael Foster said. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA service center to apply for these emergency loans.”

Producers in the contiguous counties below are also eligible to apply for emergency loans:

• Montana: Broadwater, Jefferson, Madison, Meagher and Park

• Idaho: Fremont

• Wyoming: Park and Teton

Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find the local USDA Service Center, people can visit http://farmers.gov/recover .