State Officials Remind Farmers to Stay in Contact with their FSA Office During this Harsh Winter
Monday, March 4th, 2019 -- 8:01 AM
(WRN) -Wisconsin farmers are seeing damages from the extreme winter, and state officials are reminding them to keep in contact with their local ag office.Extreme winter weather is starting to cause some serious damage to Wisconsin's farm infrastructure. State ag secretary Brad Pfaff says state and federal agencies are ready to step in to help farmers, but they have to report the damage.
"We want to make sure that anyone that's been impacted by this, that they contact their insurance agent, but also that they contact the county. The USDA Farm Service Agency local county office."
Pfaff says the U S D A has programs that can help farmers with these situations, so long as they report it.
"Programs like the Emergency Livestock Assistance program as well as the Livestock Indemnity program could be of assistance."
Pfaff says his department is working closely with a number of agencies to make sure farmers who have suffered losses are getting the help they need.
"We're always communicating with our partners at the Wisconsin Emergency Management, and we're partnering with the USDA Farm Service Agency."
A number of farms have seen barn roofs collapse under the weight of snow and ice, and some have had out-buildings damaged by high winds. Farms with building and infrastructure damage could also qualify for low interest loans and other assistance from with the state or the federal government. If your farm has suffered damage, get pictures and report it to both your insurance agent as well as the state. You could get help under a number of federal programs.
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