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Here’s some of the federal assistance available for farmers affected by the drought in southeast Ohio

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Farmers in southeast Ohio impacted by the drought may be eligible for financial assistance through the federal government.

A drought-stricken corn crop.
A drought-stricken corn crop. [shutterstock.com]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a variety of programs that can assist with losses and additional costs related to livestock, honey bees, orchards and crops.

For example, livestock producers may be eligible for above-normal costs of hauling water and feed to livestock as well as transporting livestock to forage or other grazing acres.

Orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes or vines. 

Farmers generally may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover family living expenses or refinance farm-related debts.

Deadlines and requirements for applying vary and farmers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency county office for more information.

Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced this week that certain farm-related and non-farm-related entities in Ohio counties impacted by drought are eligible for federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans

These loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most nonprofit organizations.