The Department of Agriculture Wednesday reminded farmers and ranchers of programs to assist them through the current winter storms. Acting Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea says, “USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe.” USDA offers several risk management and disaster assistance options to help producers recover after they are impacted by severe weather, including winter storms and extreme cold. Producers that signed up for Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program who suffer losses are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office, respectively, within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days. Livestock and perennial crop producers often have more limited risk management options available, so there are several disaster programs for them. Those programs include the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock. Producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

USDA ready to assist farmers, ranchers and communities affected by winter storms