Estimated damage in the millions of dollars

State and federal agriculture agencies are expressing concern over the loss of farmland and property associated with the recent flooding in Southern Utah.

"I want our farmers and ranchers to know we are devastated over their losses, and we are doing all we can to help them through this tough time," said Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Leonard Blackham. "Therefore I am calling for state and federal Agricultural Disaster Declarations because of the damage cause by flooding," he added.

The declarations will make emergency programs and low interest loans available to farmers and ranchers struck by record flooding.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently surveying damage to farmland and farm property and expects to release its damage report next week. Preliminary estimates put the damage to irrigations systems, fencing and lost agricultural land in the millions of dollars.

Farmers and ranchers in the affected areas are encouraged to contact their county FSA office to report losses and sign up for the agency's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP). According to FSA Executive Director, Boyd Critchfield, the program can help impacted land owners remove debris, restore fences, clear irrigation ditches and canals, repair structures, and rehabilitate farmland. Visit: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov or contact the Washington County FSA office at (435) 673-2381 or the Iron County FSA office at: (435) 586-7274.

The UDAF can offer two loan programs designed assist farmers in need. The agency's ARDL program can help mitigate damages resulting from natural disasters, and the Rural Rehabilitation Program can help farmers and ranchers restructure debt while landowners are rebuilding their businesses. Information about both programs is available at: http://ag.utah.gov/conservation/agloans.html.

Posted January 18, 2005