Parkinson seeks disaster declaration for Kansas counties

Storms in Kansas prompted the state's governor to ask for federal assistance.
Storms in Kansas prompted the state's governor to ask for federal assistance.
Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson recently wrote to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in an effort to get two counties in the state disaster declarations.

The request comes because of extreme weather experienced by Greeley and Thomas counties from July 10 to 12 of this year. Those days saw hail, flash flooding and high winds, all of which led to crop losses for farm equipment users.

A declaration from Vilsack would open funds to agriculture equipment users through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. The governor's office noted additional sources of aid may also be available care of the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program, which was a part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

Disaster relief from the government for farm equipment users and producers can help in the event of crop loss or damages resulting from natural disasters.

The FSA also provides monetary assistance through loans that can help farmers get their start in the business. Funds can be used to purchase land, seed, livestock or farm equipment and can also be applied to building or improving structures.