Deep Freeze In April Triggers USDA Disaster Declaration

The U.S. Department of Agriculture granted a Secretarial disaster designation for a number of counties in the state, including Lake and Mendocino after the deep freeze in April of this year. The designation makes USDA assistance available in the form of emergency farm loans for both physical and crop production losses as a direct result of the disaster, up to a maximum of $500,000. The application deadline is July 5, 2023, and assistance is available to farmers and ranchers who conduct family-sized farming operations. The Small Business Administration is also making Economic Injury Disaster Loans available, with the same application deadline.