USDA accelerating wildfire assistance, expanding grazing options

USDA’s Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation says the agency is working to fast-track disaster assistance for producers impacted by recent wildfires.

Richard Fordyce tells Brownfield CRP contracts will open for emergency grazing. “You might have to put up a hot wire or some type of fencing, but if folks have actually donated that, you can move your cattle to that location and they can stay there until the start of the primary nesting season, which varies across the country.”  

He says USDA is also providing financial relief within the Emergency Conservation Program. “Perimeter fences, cross fences where the post burned and the fence is laying over and then. Producers can rebuild those fences. The cost-share is pretty good and in most cases it is 75 percent.”

Fordyce says producers need to submit documentation of losses for all programs including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP.) He says there is also cost sharing available for the transportation of feed or the movement of cattle.

He says typically FSA staff will need to visit the operation to verify losses, but, “We understand these activities are timely and if we want to contain that livestock, you have to get that fence put back up. The ability for them to go out and start that replacement, we’ve granted that flexibility.”

Fordyce says producers should take photos of damage, save supply receipts, and visit their local FSA office to begin filing.