Farmers and Ranchers in Washington State Find Relief

The Farm Service Agency is assisting farmers and ranchers in 25 Washington counties who have experienced losses as a result of harsh weather and drought.

According to the FSA, the relief is offered in the form of low-interest emergency loans to help farmers recoup losses. Farmers and ranchers in Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Lincoln, and Yakima counties can apply for loans until Oct. 13. Aid will also be considered for the counties bordering these.

Weather-related calamities can stretch beyond county lines, Melissa Cummins, interim state director of the FSA, said.

The prices include a 3.75 percent interest rate and payback lengths of up to 40 years with real estate security. Every loan will be evaluated on its own merits.

"Because the federal government does not seek to compete with private industry," Cummins explained, "applicants must be unable to acquire credit elsewhere at fair rates and terms to finance their needs."

Given this, there are farmers from Washington that are keeping their eyes out for financial loans to get them through these tough times. This can help them ease their burden, as well as rebuild what was lost. So, this is a good option for farmers who have suffered from recent natural disasters.