December 1, 2010
www.gfb.org
Vol. 28 No. 48
GEORGIA COUNTIES RECEIVE USDA DISASTER DESIGNATION FOR DROUGHT Following a report from Georgia’s state climatologist on the expansion of drought conditions over most of the state, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has designated 151 Georgia counties as primary disaster areas due to crop losses resulting from drought and excessive heat since July 1. The disaster designation allows farmers in affected counties and contiguous counties to be considered for Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) and low-interest emergency loans from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “Georgia’s economy relies heavily on our agriculture industry,” Gov. Sonny Perdue said in a release. “I appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s commitment to do everything in our power to assist farmers in counties that have been hit hard by dry weather and extreme heat in the past several months.” Farmers in 151 Georgia counties sustained a 30 percent or greater production loss due to drought conditions. Eight contiguous counties - Camden, Glynn, Jasper, Morgan, Clayton, Greene, McIntosh and Newton - also qualify for disaster assistance. Farmers in qualified counties have until July 26, 2011, to apply for emergency loan assistance. The FSA will review each application, considering the extent of production losses, security available and repayment ability. SURE applications for 2010 crop losses will be accepted in 2011, when 2010 farm revenue data required by statute becomes available. For more information or to apply for assistance, contact your local FSA office. State Climatologist David Stooksbury noted last week that drought conditions have expanded to include most of the state, and he forecast a winter and early spring that are warmer and drier than normal. Many locations in the coastal plain and coastal portion of Georgia have received 50 percent or less of normal rainfall over the past three months, and soil moisture in those areas is extremely low. During the late summer and fall, Georgia depends on tropical weather to bring much-needed rain, but most of the state has received less than 70 percent of normal rainfall amounts. Because of plentiful rain last winter and spring, the state’s stream flows remained near normal for most of the fall, but stream flows have slowed with recent dry weather. In addition to the water stress on crops, the drought conditions have resulted in increased risk of wildfires. Stooksbury advised anyone outdoors to be cautious when using equipment that could cause sparks.