USDA help for Wisconsin farmers losses

By Blake Jackson

Wisconsin farmers impacted by recent adverse weather events can access critical financial and technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to get back on their feet.

Livestock Losses:

• Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP): Compensates producers for livestock deaths exceeding normal mortality or sales at a reduced price due to the weather event. Applications and loss notices are due by March 3, 2025, for 2024 losses.
• Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP): Provides compensation for feed and grazing losses. Applications and loss notices are due by January 30, 2025, for 2024 losses.

Crop and Infrastructure Damage:

• Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) or Crop Insurance: Covers crop losses not covered by insurance. Report crop damage to your crop insurance agent or local FSA office.
• Tree Assistance Program (TAP): Offers cost-share assistance for orchardists and nursery growers to replant or rehabilitate damaged trees, bushes, or vines. Applications must be filed within 90 days of the disaster.
• Emergency Loans: Low-interest loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses. These loans can be used to replace equipment, purchase livestock and feed, cover living expenses, or refinance debt.
• Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL): Provides low-interest financing to build, repair, or upgrade storage facilities.

Risk Management:

• Federal Crop Insurance or NAP: If you have risk protection through these programs, report crop damage to your agent or local FSA office within the stipulated timeframe.

Conservation Assistance:

• Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP): Offer financial and technical assistance to restore fencing, damaged land or forests, and remove debris.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Helps producers plan and implement conservation practices on land impacted by disasters.

Community Assistance:

• Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program: Assists local governments with addressing watershed impairments or hazards caused by natural disasters. This program helps with debris removal and streambank stabilization.

How to Apply:

Contact your local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about these programs. They can guide you through the application process and help you access the resources you need to recover.

By taking advantage of these programs, Wisconsin farmers can navigate the challenges caused by recent weather events and rebuild their operations.

Photo Credit: usda