In an effort to speed up potential relief efforts for farmers impacted by Wisconsin’s recent blizzard, the Wisconsin-based American Dairy Coalition is asking those who sustained damage to contact their Farm Service Agency office immediately.
Officials will quantify the damage reports and estimate the losses on a county-by-county basis. The totals will be provided to Gov. Scott Walker to use as the criteria for possible monetary assistance from state or federal resources.
“Time is of the essence,” said Laurie Fischer, ADC chief executive officer. “Whether they are facing collapsed structures, lost milk production, high insurance deductibles, animal losses or other situations, farmers need to get their damages on the record with their local FSA office. Just one phone call could have a big impact down the road.”
Those assessing damages need to look beyond current losses not covered by insurance and consider the longer-term economic losses that will impact future business profitability, Fischer said.
The ADC recommends farmers include in their assessments:
• Collapsed building roofs: Total footage damaged, as well as structural damage to the remainder of the building that did not collapse; cost of cleanup and short-term fixes to keep parlors running.
• Animal Injury: Injuries to cows, death of cows, cows culled, the percentage of cows in the future to be culled as a result of the blizzard and the loss per culled cow, as well as impact to future milking herd
• Deductibles and Insurance Coverage: How much of your building will be covered? Will you receive any coverage for the replacement of the weakened structure? Are you required to pay a deductible and, if so, how much?
• Impact during rebuilding process: Increased risk of mastitis, breeding complications or disruptions, veterinarian costs, additional labor needed.
• Costs incurred from transporting animals, feed or milk
• Milk lost
• Recovery timelines: What is the realistic time frame in which your operation will return to normal function?
