Published: July 02, 2008 09:46 am         

Area farmers eligible for disaster loans

TRAVERSE CITY -- Farmers in nine northern Michigan counties are eligible for emergency disaster loans through the federal Farm Services Agency for crop damage from severe weather this month.

Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Crawford, Manistee, Kalkaska, Missaukee and Wexford counties were among 60 in northern Michigan designated as natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for hail, high wind and tornado damage from June 6 to 15.

Farmers in those areas are eligible for low-interest emergency loans through the FSA with certain eligibility requirements. Farmers have until Feb. 25 to apply, and more information is available from the local USDA Service Center at (231) 941-0951.