Winter Storm Relief - USDA Aid for Wisconsin Farmers

By Blake Jackson

Winter storms have recently disrupted agricultural operations across Wisconsin, leaving many farmers and livestock producers facing losses.

To support recovery efforts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a range of technical and financial assistance programs designed to help producers rebuild and move forward.

“USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce.

“I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.”

Farmers who have experienced livestock deaths beyond normal levels, or who were forced to sell injured animals at reduced prices, may qualify for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

To be eligible, producers must provide documentation of losses or reduced sales tied to adverse weather and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 1, 2027, for losses occurring in the 2026 calendar year.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) also offers support, covering feed and grazing losses as well as certain expenses like hay transportation and snow removal. Applications and loss notices for ELAP must also be filed by March 1, 2027.

Orchardists and nursery tree growers may benefit from the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which helps cover the cost of replanting or rehabilitating trees, bushes, and vines. Applications for TAP must be submitted within 90 days of when damage becomes evident.

“Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local FSA county office to timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses,” said Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director for FSA in Wisconsin.

“To expedite FSA disaster assistance, you may need to provide documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.”

Producers are also reminded to promptly report crop damage under NAP or federal crop insurance programs. Additional support is available through conservation programs such as ECP, EFRP and EQIP, with assistance from local USDA Service Centers and crop insurance agents.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-xander-d