Senator Baldwin urges USDA to support gamebird farmers

By Blake Jackson

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) has joined a bipartisan effort to urge the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend emergency assistance to gamebird farmers facing significant losses from extreme weather events.

While the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) offers benefits to livestock producers for weather-related losses, gamebird farmers in Wisconsin and across the nation have recently been excluded from receiving aid.

“When our farmers experience devastating weather events out of their control, it’s our job to give them the tools and resources they need to get back on their feet,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am calling on the USDA to help our pheasant and gamebird farmers bounce back and protect this critical industry and the livelihoods it supports across Wisconsin.”

Farmers nationwide have reported being denied LIP assistance or discouraged from applying, including in Wisconsin. In June, MacFarlane Pheasant Farm, the largest pheasant producer in the U.S., suffered catastrophic losses when a tornado struck southeast Wisconsin.

Over 50,000 birds were killed, and the farm sustained over $2 million in damages, including the destruction of pens, fencing, and other essential infrastructure.

Despite the devastation, the farm's application for LIP assistance was denied because gamebirds are not currently eligible under the program. Senator Baldwin is urging the USDA to reevaluate its stance and provide gamebird farmers the same support given to other livestock operations.

“American gamebird farms are raising poultry for the commercial market for both food and recreation at the same time,” said Mike Martz, President of the North American Gamebird Association. “There is no justification to treating them any different than other commercially sold livestock. These are multi-generational farms that sustain families and employ people. They deserve the same protections as other livestock farms.”

Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Tina Smith (D-MN), along with Bryan Steil (R-WI-01), joined Baldwin in pressing the USDA to ensure gamebird farmers have access to vital recovery resources.

Photo Credit: usda