Bredesen Announces Federal Farm Assistance for Overton County

NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved his request for federal farm assistance for Overton County due to heavy rains and extensive flooding that occurred in July.

“This designation is important for helping farmers in Overton and surrounding counties mitigate their losses resulting from heavy rains that were experienced in mid-July,” said Bredesen. “I’m pleased that USDA recognizes the difficulties these farmers are facing and has acted promptly to grant this request.”

Bredesen made the request on August 25 to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. A primary natural disaster designation makes farmers eligible to apply for assistance through their local Farm Service Agency. Qualifying farmers are eligible to be considered for emergency loans, livestock assistance and supplemental farm payments as provided by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

Under the designation for Overton County, farmers in adjoining counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency. Those counties include Clay, Fentress, Jackson, Pickett and Putnam.

Farmers in these areas suffered crop losses, including hay and pastures, reported in excess of 30 percent in some cases. Farmers also reported significant damage to farm equipment and structures.

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.