Farmers in Douglas County who suffered crop or livestock losses because of severe storms, tornadoes and strong winds on March 12 and 13 may apply for Farm Service Agency emergency loans.

Applications for assistance will be accepted until Dec. 13. Farmers in Franklin, Johnson, Miami, Osage and Shawnee counties are also eligible under legislation that provides for those in bordering counties.

Farm Loan Manager Stacy Kull said loans covering physical or production losses or both may be made at a 3.75 percent interest rate. The loans can help replace losses of installations, equipment, livestock or buildings.

To be eligible for an emergency disaster loan, applicants must operate a family-size farm or ranch and be unable to get credit elsewhere. Applications should be made to the FSA county office in Ottawa, 107 E. 23rd St. For more information, call Kull at (785) 242-3527.