NATCHEZ — Area farmers whose summer was ruined by floodwaters and drought are now eligible for emergency assistance just in time for harvest.

Adams County and Concordia Parish were both declared disaster areas last week, and farmers in each will be able to apply for assistance through the Farm Service Agency or Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments programs.

“Emergency loans for farmers, ranchers, and operators are available through the Pike County Office of the Farm Service Agency,” FSA Farm Loan Manager David K. Smith said.

Farmers who apply for the emergency loans may borrow up to 100 percent of their actual production loss, and they have until April 9 to visit their local FSA office to apply.

Adams County farmer Ross McGehee suffered the loss of a full corn crop thanks to the high waters, but said that his farm won’t have to apply for any assistance in 2011.

“Right now, I don’t know of anyone in (Adams County) that is in the position of needing this help,” he said. “But we are about to harvest, so we may be about to unravel some more bad news that would require help.”

McGehee said he has utilized loans from the FSA before, but has found there are better options out there for farmers who need help.

“Most of the (FSA) loans are paid back over seven years, and they closely supervise every dime you spend from that loan money,” he said. “There is just a lot more paperwork and things that you are going to have to deal with.”

McGehee said the FSA loans are not bailouts that farmers receive for free.

“You are paying interest and tying up your money,” he said. “That can strap you pretty good, and tie your hands to what you can and can’t do.”

McGehee said the FSA emergency loans have lower interest rates than banks, but their requirements make the lower interest unimportant for farmers with options.

“A lot of the times, for a lot of the people, these FSA loans are the only way you can get funding,” he said. “It will bail you out of a crack if you need it, it’s just not my first choice.”

Instead of waiting for loans in times of emergency, McGehee said purchasing crop insurance is the best way to avoid any losses in your crops.

“Insurance at least pays for the money you have laid out in your field,” he said. “It won’t make you well, but it will stop you from bleeding.”

McGehee said farmers pay a premium for the insurance policy, and that the harder it is for plants to grow in an area, the more expensive the insurance.

McGehee said any farmer who needs help has to do whatever it takes to stay in business.

“There are a lot of options available, so it would be in your best interest to find the best option for you,” he said. “Farmers have a lot of tools at their disposal.”