Bredesen Requests Federal Farm Assistance for Overton County

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today requested a federal designation of natural disaster for agriculture for Overton County as a result of excessive rain and flooding that occurred in July.

 

“A disaster designation is important for making federal assistance available to farmers who experienced significant losses last month due to heavy rains and flooding,” said Bredesen. “I’m glad to make this request and hope it will help these farmers recover from this isolated storm event.”

 

Bredesen made the request this week in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. A disaster designation would make farmers in Overton and adjoining counties eligible to apply for assistance through their local USDA Farm Service Agency. Qualifying farmers are eligible for emergency loans, livestock assistance and supplemental farm payments as provided by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008. 

 

Overton County farmers suffered crop losses reported in excess of 30 percent in some cases as a result of heavy rain and flooding that occurred July 15 and 16. The area received as much as nine inches of rainfall. Farmers also reported significant damage to farm equipment and structures. 

 

Statewide, farmers are reporting mostly favorable growing conditions this year with more than 75 percent of corn, cotton, soybeans, tobacco and pastures rated in good to excellent condition. For a weekly report on crop conditions across the state, visit www.nass.usda.gov/tn. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes this report available each Monday at 3 p.m. CDT April through November.