Governor Scott Walker today visited Birlings Bovines in Black Creek and Sievert Farms in Sobieski to hear from farmers who were impacted by the strong blizzard that covered much of the state with heavy snow from April 13 – 16, 2018. The storm caused property damage, including barn roof collapses that resulted in the loss of livestock in some cases.
“Farmers were hit hard by the recent blizzard, and we want all farmers impacted to know that we hear you,” said Governor Walker. “On top of reporting losses to their insurance companies, we encourage farmers who suffered damage from the blizzard to document it and report it to their local FSA office as they could be eligible for certain federal disaster assistance.”
From the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection:
Assistance may be available to farmers who lost livestock, grazing land and fences. There are also safety net programs, including the Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish program.
In addition, the FSA uses loss reports to determine whether to seek a disaster designation from the United States Department of Agriculture Secretary. A disaster designation makes farmers in the county eligible for low-interest loans if they cannot access private financing.
