USDA News Release

Here is a link to one of the USDA programs that offset the losses incurred from a natural disaster.  
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/lip2011_158c020211.pdf

The good news is that USDA does consider cervids as livestock for disaster assistance, the bad part is the payment levels are based on our meat animals, as this program does not cover animals for recreation, such as hunting, so the levels are rather low compared to the value of our breeding stock.  I am trying to get  a meeting with USDA to discuss what channels we need to go through to add our animals for the hunt industry and to adjust the values.

There are other programs that your local Farm Service Agent will be able to find that will help with the replacement cost of your fencing, building and feed.

Shawn Schafer

Disaster Assistance Available for Producers

Release No. 0817.11
Contact: Isabel Benemelis (202)720-7809


Disaster Assistance Available for Producers

FSA Administrator Reminds Affected Farmers and Ranchers of FSA Programs

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Val Dolcini today reminded crop and livestock producers throughout states that have recently experienced severe damage from flooding, wildfires and tornadoes that FSA programs may be available to assist with recovery.

"Severe weather this spring is making things very difficult for many ranchers and farmers. Whether it's wildfires in the Southwest, flooding or tornados in the Midwest, Plains, and Southeast, learning about our FSA disaster programs is an important first step for producers in the recovery process," said Dolcini.


FSA administers several important programs that help producers recover from disaster damage and livestock deaths. Among the key programs available to address impacts from disasters are the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program.


Fact sheets for all of these programs can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov; click on Newsroom, then Fact Sheets.


"We encourage all who have suffered a disaster due to the recent severe weather conditions to read the fact sheets and visit their local FSA county office so they get a quick start in the recovery process," added Dolcini.


Additionally, USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator William Murphy reminds Federal crop insurance policyholders that they should notify their crop insurance companies as soon as they discover that their land is flooded.