(Continued from Pago A 1) to the $6O million the state will use to provide disaster relief to farmers suffering from the 1999 drought. The reason the state has allo cated the money for crop insur ance is because the federal crop disaster program requires farm ers who did not have crop insur ance in 1999 to purchase crop insurance for 2000 and 2001 before receiving federal drought assistance. “There are two reasons for the crop insurance assistance program,” said Russell Redd ing, deputy secretary of market development for PDA. “The first is to assist those who have had crop losses to meet federal guidelines. The second is to en courage participation in crop in- * of sizes. Pur .r JSmSm ftC Heaters. 4 The Purafire heater provides a consistent, cleanburning and fuel efficient source of warmth for all types of poultry and swine houses. Choose from two models; the CBOM variable output (40,000-80,000 BTUH) and the C 225 (225,000 BTUH) Each is LP or natural gas compatible and can be mounted inside or outside your confinement house. Electronic ignition j PENNING Model 70 SWING-SIDE FARROWING CRATE m • Virtually eliminates odors • Speeds suspension of solids for faster, easier and more complete pump-out • Enhances fertilizer value of waste by reducing nitrogen loss • Guaranteed results just encouraging farmers to get in and sign up,” said Redding. “As of monday, we processed 544 applications for crop loss payment. But there are a lot more applications in the pipe line. And it’s only a fraction of those who are eligible to apply.” To receive both the crop dis aster relief and crop insurance assistance, farmers must apply at their county farm service agency office in person. The deadline to apply for the federal crop disaster assistance is February 25, 2000. The insur ance assistance remains avail able to farmers until the 2000 crop year sign-up closes, which is March 15 for most crops. Farmers can complete the federal disaster relief applica- I tion and the one-page crop in surance assistance application in one visit to the farm service office, “It’s important to note that, while applications for assistance are satisfied at the farm service agency, the farmers still need to contact their crop insurance MY. mi. TRADE Oft BENT THROUOti THt ——l PRONE: 717-626-1164 or 717-394-3047 PAX 717-733-6058 Hon.. Tuck.. Wed . Frl. BAM to 5 PM: Thurt 7 AM to 5 PM JJi X Hi X A 1 Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, February S, 2000-A29 agent to get the crop insurance,” said Redding. The phone number for the county farm service agency can be found in the blue pages of the local phone book. Phone num bers for the county offices are also listed on the department’s website, www.pda.state.pa.us. LOOP J alls j J (717)866-2030 J