USDA Increases Maximum Loan Limit for Farmers

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The USDA Farm Service Agency in Berkshire County has announced that it has increased its maximum loan limit to $1,094,000. The increased guaranteed loan limit reflects the rising input costs affecting farmers.

The Guaranteed Loan programs allow lenders to make agricultural credit available to farmers who do not meet the lender's normal underwriting criteria.  Loans are provided to beginning farmers and limited resource producers, ensuring lenders with a guarantee of up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan.

In addition to guaranteed loans, FSA can also provide direct loans to qualified farmers.

Farmers interested in the guaranteed loan program may contact their lender or the USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program at(413) 585-1000, ext. 107 or ext 109, or visit the Agency at 195 Russell Street, Suite B5 in Hadley, MA 01035-9521. Information is also available on the web at www.FSA.USDA.gov Click on Farm Loan Programs.
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Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting a smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settle neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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