Representative Jim Cobb announced this week that Governor Phil Bredesen has requested federal farm assistance for 16 Tennessee counties, two of which are Hamilton and Rhea Counties.
The announcement came on the heels of the information that farmers in these counties reported crop losses ranging from 10 to 50 percent for major commodities including corn, soybeans, cotton, and tobacco. One possible reason cited is that during what is normally a dry season, Tennessee has experienced record rainfall of as much as 10 to 12 inches.
“For the federal government to recognize this as a disaster would significantly help our farmers and our local economy,” said Representative Cobb. “Tennessee was built on the foundation of agriculture, and many of our citizens still depend on agriculture as a source of revenue. I commend the Governor for requesting this farm assistance, and I hope that the federal government recognizes the need for it as well.”
The governor’s office reported that statewide, harvest for most crops are three to four weeks behind due to the unusually wet weather. For the latest crop forecast and a weekly report on crop conditions across the state, visit www.nass.usda.gov/tn. The U.S. Department of Agriculture makes this report available each Monday at 3 p.m., April through November.