USDA Offers Aid to Dairy Farmers After Winter Storm

By Blake Jackson

Dairy producers in Wisconsin affected by the winter storm and blizzard conditions that began March 14 are being encouraged to report any losses to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and explore available disaster assistance programs.

Severe winter weather can disrupt dairy operations by impacting livestock health, limiting feed availability, interrupting transportation, and reducing milk production.

“Milk can’t wait. When trucks can’t reach farms or processors on time, producers face costly delays and, in some cases, must dispose of milk that can’t be stored. Those disruptions coupled with livestock losses create real economic consequences for Wisconsin dairy operations,” said Sandy Chalmers, FSA State Executive Director in Wisconsin.

“We recognize the significant economic strain these adverse weather events place on a producer’s bottom line. As part of the commitment by the Trump Administration and Secretary Brooke Rollins to put Farmers First, FSA is focused on ensuring producers receive timely disaster assistance when extreme weather impacts their operations. Reporting storm-related losses helps us quickly initiate a disaster designation and move forward with recovery support for Wisconsin dairy producers.”

Producers who lost livestock beyond normal mortality levels or sold injured animals at reduced prices may qualify for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2027, with proper documentation of losses.

Additional support is available through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), which covers feed losses and certain operational costs. Producers with crop coverage should promptly report damage and file required notices.

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) offers low-interest financing to repair or upgrade storage facilities, while emergency and operating loans can help producers recover from storm-related losses.

Farmers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center for assistance and guidance on available programs.

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency