Haslam Requests Federal Farm Assistance for Lauderdale County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a request for a secretarial designation of natural disaster for Lauderdale County as a result of excessive rainfall and historic flooding that occurred in April and May.

“Farmers are still feeling the effects of flooding that occurred along the Mississppi River earlier this year,” Haslam said. “I’m glad to make a request on behalf of Lauderdale County farmers and hope this will help them recover from what has been a devastating loss.”

Haslam made the request in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. A secretarial designation would make farmers in Lauderdale County eligible to apply for the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program to help eligible producers recover lost income. Other assistance such as low-interest loans and livestock loss assistance may already be available through local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.

Haslam’s request is in addition to 15 counties that were approved for federal farm assistance last month due to storms and flooding in April and May. Those counties include Dyer, Giles, Greene, Hancock, Hardeman, Hardin, Hawkins, Henderson, Knox, Lake, Madison, Obion, Shelby, Tipton and Washington. 

At the peak of flooding in early May, more than half of Lauderdale County was under water causing significant damage to corn, cotton and wheat.  Farmers also experienced severe damage to buildings, equipment and conservation structures.

“Farmers have been able to make the best of a bad situation by replanting in some cases, but recovery will be a long term prospect for many,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson. “Governor Haslam knows and understands the business aspect of farming and its importance to the economy in West Tennessee. I’m pleased he has shown his support by making this request.”

For the latest Tennessee Crop Progress & Condition report, visit www.nass.usda.gov/tn. In cooperation with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, USDA makes this report available each Monday at 3 p.m. CDT, April through November.