Chattooga County Young Farmer Director Lauren Jarrett says farmers in Chattooga County that received damage from the Labor Day Weekend Flood should contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office to report damage.

The USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been hard hit by natural disaster events.  The USDA has an emergency loan program that provides loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters.

Jarrett said, “I have been amazed by the outpour of support to our community. From local churches, businesses and individuals to folks from out of town, our county has been blessed with support. Young Farmers Chapters from throughout the state have checked on our county and offered their prayers and help if needed”.

Jarrett said that Fannin County Young farmers delivered water to Chattooga County this past week and the Gilmer County Young Farmers arranged for deliveries of water from Pilgrims in Ellijay.  Jarrett said, “Ag friends are the best of friends who always think of their farming friends in the time of need”.

Again, any local farmers who have experienced erosion, fence damage or other flood damage, should report that damage to the Farm Service Agency.