The Moore-Montgomery County Farm Service Agency is accepting applications for natural disaster loan assistance in connection with the heat/drought of last summer.

Both Moore and Montgomery counties are among the 42 North Carolina counties covered by the natural disaster declaration recently made by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The declaration applies to counties sustaining significant damage and financial loss as a result of the excessive heat and drought May 1 through Oct. 1.

Aug. 1, 2011 is the deadline to apply for this emergency loan assistance, according to Amber Waller, executive director of the Moore-Montgomery FSA.

Eligible family farmers may secure additional information and complete application forms at the FSA office at 707 Pinehurst Ave. in Carthage. Office hours are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Applicants may contact the Moore-Montgomery County FSA office or farm loan officer Bill Rhodes at (704) 788-2107.