Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new microloan program, designed to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000.

The new microloan program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations.

The microloan program will also provide a less burdensome, more simplified application process in comparison to traditional farm loans.

"I have met several small and beginning farmers, returning veterans and disadvantaged producers interested in careers in farming who too often must rely on credit cards or personal loans with high interest rates to finance their start-up operations," said Vilsack.

With winter rain and thunderstorms that occur, wind can cause trees to blow over on power lines. Wet roads also cause traffic accidents that may result in autos hitting power poles. Electric power lines are designed to be out of the public’s reach.

When electric power lines fall to the ground they should be considered “live”, or energized, with electricity flowing. If you see a downed power line:  Don’t touch or try to move the power line, or anything in contact with it.  Do call 911.  Do keep yourself, children and animals far away. 

If a power line falls across a vehicle:  If you’re not in the vehicle, stay far away and keep others away while calling 911.  If you’re inside the vehicle, if it’s safe, stay in the car until help arrives.