Wolford’s FSA staff will train on how to take applications and determine benefits prior to the October 15 start of the application process. “We have not yet received the forms or the policies that will guide this program from Washington D.C. yet, but we are told we’ll have it all in place in time for the start of the application process,” Wolford said.

Because all four of the local FSA’s counties were included in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designations of South Georgia regions as drought stricken, livestock and crop farmers in all counties may qualify for the two programs, Wolford said.

Livestock farmers can receive up to $10.66 per head for cows and bulls and $8 per head for non-adult animals 500 pounds or more, a USDA fact sheet on the program states.

Farmers tempted to call in to seek estimates on how much money they might qualify for under either program are encouraged not to do so “because we have no firm figures or policies in hand yet and Washington frowns on us trying to make estimates that may not be accurate,” Wolford said.

The local FSA office has been getting many calls from farmers wanting to know if any relief is coming for the 2007 disasters, and many will be confused by the fact that these programs are specifically for drought damage caused in 2005 and 2006, Wolford said.

“But that is why we’re here, to guide them through the often confusing bureaucracy, and we’re glad to do it,” she said. “If they show up here early, before the application process begins, we may not have forms for them or know the policies yet, but we’ll take their name and tell them what we know as of that point, and get them up on how to complete the process when it starts.”

Farmers can get updates and information at http://www.fsa.usda.gov. Also, inquiries can be made by calling Wolford’s office at 229-242-0575, or e-mailing Wolford at Terrie.Wolford@ga.usda.gov.