Following a severe windstorm in January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Cayuga County, along with five other New York counties, as primary natural disaster areas. This designation is a response to the extensive damage caused by winds exceeding 60 mph, which resulted in significant agricultural losses, downed power lines, and structural damages, including to the Cayuga County Office Building.
Farms within these affected counties now qualify to apply for emergency loans through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. These loans are intended to aid in the recovery process by enabling the replacement of damaged or lost equipment and livestock among other necessities. Cayuga County’s farms, heavily impacted by the storm, are among those that can seek financial assistance to mitigate the disaster’s aftermath.
The eligibility for emergency loans extends beyond the primary counties to include adjacent areas, broadening the support to a total of 22 counties. Farmers affected by the January windstorm have until March 31, 2025, to apply for these loans. The USDA emphasizes that the approval of loans will be based on the extent of losses, the borrower’s repayment capability, and available security, aiming to support the recovery of the agricultural sector in the designated disaster areas.
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