Farmers learn about drought assistance - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Nearly all of Ohio's 88 counties have been declared natural disaster areas thanks to the drought.  On Wednesday, some local farmers learned how they could make up some of their losses.

Don Geary, a farmer in the Tiffin area, says for him the drought has been spotty.  His farm spreads some 20 miles, north to south.  He says this year he hoped to yield 150 bushels of corn, but now, "I'm hoping for 50 to 80.  Anything above 80 will be pretty good I think."

That's why he and other farmers came to a drought meeting in Tiffin.  Representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Farm Service Agency were on hand to answer questions about getting some financial help.

"Whenever there is a disaster, the availability of these loans kick in," Steven Maurer, the Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, said.

Eligible farmers now have access to low interest loans for crop losses, relief payments for non- insurable losses, temporary deferral of payments on federal loans, and permission to cut hay for livestock from acreage set aside for conservation.

"It's more than just Ohio, it goes clear through the Midwest, this is bad," Maurer said.

Geary agrees, but is thankful for crop insurance.

"My feeling is, if I make enough to pay my bills, I had a pretty good year," he said.

And even though this year has been tough, "I think farmers are always optimistic for the next year," he said. "You always say the next year is going to be better, I think that's how every farmer feels."

The only way to find out how much assistance you can get is to visit or call your local extension of the Farm Service Agency.