Yager Hopeful Local Farmers Will Receive Disaster Assistance

Nashville, TN (2011-12-20) State Senator Ken Yager (R-Harriman) today said Morgan, Roane, and Scott Counties are among 14 Tennessee counties awaiting action from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to receive a special disaster designation that would allow farmers to receive federal assistance. The request was made by Governor Bill Haslam last week.

“The excessive heat and drought this summer, coupled with the heavy rains earlier put a huge strain on farmers,” said Senator Yager. “Many have lost income and need assistance which would be provided if we receive this designation. I am very hopeful that we will receive this designation.”

Farmers in these areas reported crop losses ranging from 30 to 50 percent for corn, soybeans, tobacco, pastures and hay and some commercial vegetable crops. A designation from Secretary Vilsack would make farmers in these counties eligible to apply for lost income recovery, low-interest loans and other disaster assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency.