In Nebraska, local extension programs are distributing information to help producers.
“FSA offices have various programs, like their livestock indemnity program,” says Ben Beckman, beef system extension educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, referring to the Farm Service Agency.
“Another one is the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) that might be able to provide assistance in replacing lost feed such as flooded haystacks. If hay got wet, it is no longer a suitable food source and is susceptible to mold growth or fire damage from being wet and heating. Properly disposing of spoiled hay can be an issue,” says Beckman.
“Both programs have a 30-day window to document losses and submit them. If producers are interested in participating, they should contact their local FSA office to begin the process as soon as possible.”
“Many producer organizations (Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska Farm Bureau, etc.) and local groups are organizing relief funds, donations, and volunteer efforts,” says Beckman.
Alvaro Garcia, South Dakota State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program director, urged producers to take precautions when working with livestock near flooded areas, to make sure there are no risks related to electricity or debris. When assessing damages caused by extreme weather events, Garcia encouraged producers to reach out to local FSA offices to discuss Livestock Indemnity Program payments, and to contact the FSA before disposing of livestock. There are certain procedures that need to be followed. To learn more, ranchers can visit the extension.sdstate.edu flood page or contact their local FSA office.
“Ag radio stations here are talking about donations; some people are donating hay to ranchers who lost their feed supplies,” says Jerry Volesky of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Many volunteers are stepping up to help.
KRVN is a major ag radio with several stations across Nebraska.
“On their website they’ve been listing the emergency resources available and where people can donate to help ag producers get through these challenges,” he says.
“The University of Nebraska is having conference calls discussing resources we might be able to offer,” says Galen Erickson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“There will be emergency management funds and plans for livestock indemnities or livestock-specific programs.”
The Lancaster Event Center outside of Lincoln, NE has set up an area for people to bring livestock in, if they don’t have place to care for them. “It’s like a people shelter, but for livestock. Feed storage areas have been flooded, and feed must be brought in for cattle that must be kept off flooded fields,” says Erickson.
Talia Goes, of the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Association, says their organization received hundreds of calls this past weekend from people wanting to donate and help.
“We set up a disaster relief fund. It’s a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) in which all donations will be tax deductible for the donor. All proceeds will be dispersed to cattlemen of Nebraska who are dealing with the devastation of flood or blizzard. The Department of Ag is taking donations and they have a hay hotline for people who might be able to donate hay, fencing supplies, vet supplies, etc.,” she says.
Producers impacted by blizzard or flooding and in need of hay, feed stuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. can call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) at 800-831-0550. This past week saw an outpouring of support. Anyone with hay, feed, fencing materials, equipment, etc., to donate can also contact the NDA at that number.
The NDA staff are gathering the information and identifying needs. They are also utilizing the National Guard and other state resources.
There are some government assistance programs available that ranchers can apply for. “NEMA (Nebraska Emergency Management Agency) and FEMA were here assessing damages. There will be some relief programs through the federal government,” Goes says.
“The heartwarming thing about all of this is the many people who are willing to help others. Their generosity is truly amazing.” — Heather Smith Thomas, WLJ correspondent
