SINCE the January floods $53,000 in grants has been handed to Southern Downs farmers and $20,000 to small business owners.

A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries said the funds had been divided between four farmers and four small business owners.

"Applications for loan schemes typically are not received by QRAA until businesses and producers assess what they need," she said.

"There have been no loan application under NDRAA category B or D received by QRAA to date from Southern Downs, which is not unexpected at this early stage."

Massie farmer Bill Bowen said he had applied for category C grant assistance two weeks ago.

Mr Bowen said many farmers, including him, were still struggling to get things back up and running.

"It is all a bit wet to do much at the moment," he said.

"I can't do anything down there without risking getting bogged.

"I've got my stock out. It is just the flats where we do most of our cropping that is still wet.

"Some of my mungbeans have survived."

Mr Bowen said the grant system was much more useful at this stage of recovery.

"It allows you to get things started and set up again," he said.

"The application process lets you do it in stages.

"Grants are more useful because loans add to our overall debt."

Farmers chasing the best way to restore their crops after the floods can attend a workshop on Friday, March 15, at the Massie Hall.

Mr Bowen said there would be a range of experts to discuss soil conservation and restoration as well as costs.

The workshop will run from 10am-3pm and morning tea and lunch will be provided.

To RSVP phone Catherine Potter on 4661 9909.

Flood assistance

•  Applications for grants need to be lodged with QRAA by August 30.
•  For help with filling out forms phone rural financial counsellor Donna Neale-Arnold on 4661 5501