Drought disaster designation open emergency loan assistance to area farmers

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Farmers in Warren and Rappahannock counties may now be eligible for emergency assistance following a federal disaster designation related to drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a Secretarial natural disaster designation covering areas of Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia.

The designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to provide emergency loans to eligible producers recovering from drought-related losses.

Emergency loans can help farmers replace essential items, including equipment or livestock, reorganize their farming operations, or refinance certain qualifying debts.

The Farm Service Agency will review applications based on the extent of the losses, available security and the producer’s ability to repay the loan.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, affected counties experienced severe drought conditions for at least eight consecutive weeks during the growing season, or reached extreme or exceptional drought levels.

The disaster is classified as a drought fast-track designation.

Eligible farmers have until March 31st, 2027, to apply for emergency loan assistance.

Producers in Warren and Rappahannock counties who experienced drought-related losses are encouraged to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office for information about eligibility and the application process.

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Major shift in federal forest land use policy

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

In a major shift in federal forest policy, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is preparing to roll back the 2001 Roadless Rule.

Virginia stands to be significantly impacted.

The state has more inventoried roadless areas than any other with 394,000 acres that would become accessible for development if the rule is rescinded.

Altogether, Virginia is home to more than 1.6 million acres of national forest.

The Roadless Rule, enacted nearly 25 years ago, restricts road construction and timber harvesting in some of the country’s most remote forest lands.

According to the USDA, the rule currently limits road development on about 30 percent of lands within the National Forest System.

The Trump Administration argues that the rule has stood in the way of effective forest management, including efforts to reduce wildfire risks.

Supporters of the rollback say the restrictions have hindered industries like logging and contributed to mill closures across the country.

Industry advocates claim that the lack of access has worsened wildfire risks by preventing proper forest thinning and fuel reduction.

However, environmental groups warn that rescinding the rule threatens clean water, wildlife habitats, and old-growth forests.

More than 500 miles of streams and rivers, in Virginia alone, are primarily protected under the rule.

While the rollback would lift federal protections, it would not immediately greenlight development.

Any new projects would still have to undergo formal application and environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Legal challenges are also expected.

Previous attempts to undo the rule, including under the Bush Administration, were tied up in court.

Undoing the protections will require a formal rulemaking process and could face strong public opposition.

Beyond logging, industries like oil and gas, hydropower, and mining could also benefit if the rule is rescinded.

But many conservation groups insist that the public overwhelmingly supports keeping these lands undeveloped, regardless of political affiliation or location.

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Grassland Partnership Program

Farms along the I-81 corridor that have pastureland that is used for forage production are invited to participate in the Grassland Partnership Project.

The project focuses on the impact of six grassland management practices.

The affect soil carbon storage, input cost, profitability, productivity and in some cases the response of birds and pollinators.

Funding is available to farmers who install at least three of the six practices and maintain them for at least five years.

The Grasslands Partnership  is a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture , VSU College of Agriculture, and Virginia Cooperative Extension.

For questions please contact Grasslands Project Coordinator Amanda “Mandy” Fletcher at 804-892-0108 or afletcher@vsu.edu.

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Disaster loans available

Due to the prolonged drought conditions, the Clarke County Virginia Economic Development is  reporting that disaster loans are available to all small businesses, farmers, small businesses cooperatives and nonprofit organizations are now eligible for the US Department of Agriculture
Emergency loans.

For assistance and the application, please call 804-287-1500.

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