Relief is possible for Wisconsin agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters. These producers may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in 13 Wisconsin counties, the primary damaged area, who incurred losses caused by excessive rain, high winds, straight-line winds, tornadoes and hail that occurred on Aug. 20 through Sept. 20, 2018. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock.
The counties in the primary damaged area are Adams, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond Du Lac, Iowa, Juneau, La Crosse, Marquette, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon.
“Wisconsin’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Sandy Chalmers. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.”
Producers in the contiguous counties of Calumet, Columbia, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Portage, Rock, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Washington, Waukesha, Waushara, Winnebago and Wood, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.
Applications are due June 17, 2019.
For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center visit https://www.farmers.gov/recover.
