U.S. Representative Kristi Noem says ranchers should be able to start signing up for disaster relief by April 15. She says officials with the USDA are fast tracking the livestock disaster programs to assist producers affected by last October’s blizzard. Noem says those with the USDA are also going to expedite farm programs and the rules and regulatory approval process. She expects signup on those programs to begin by late summer or early fall.
“So we are certainly a ways away from being able to have producers getting some relief under the livestock disaster programs and being able to sign up for farm programs,” Noem says. “Although I am thankful that Secretary Vilsack and USDA have taken the opportunity to expedite the process where they can and where they can certainly do double time to make sure our producers aren’t left hanging without knowing the rules of these farm programs that they need to utilize to put their crops in and plan for the future.”
Noem says she’s in constant contact with officials at the USDA, and everything seems to be on track for the April 15 signup date.