December 21, 2009
Funds Assist Struggling Farmers:
Madison- As Wisconsin farmers struggle to cope with an economic downturn and low milk prices, Sen. Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma) and Rep. Chris Danou (D-Trempealeau) applauded help arriving in the form of a new federal assistance program.The USDA recently announced implementation of the Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Program (DELAP) to help stabilize dairy producers during tough economic times.
“Struggling dairy farmers will receive a one-time direct payment based on the amount of milk they have produced,” said Vinehout, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education. “Relief going directly into the pockets of family farmers is exactly what is needed to ride out this storm.”
Nationwide, dairy farmers have been in crisis as milk prices have plummeted. According to the USDA, the price farmers received for their milk in the summer of 2009 was only half the cost of production. As a result, farmers are pushed to the verge of bankruptcy and the downturn has a ripple effect in rural communities. Businesses ranging from veterinary services to local supermarkets to farm supply cooperatives have suffered.
“I have been meeting with dairy farmers throughout my district and it is clear to me that when milk prices fall so dramatically, our small family farmers and rural communities are the ones who hurt the most” Danou said. “The payments will help Wisconsin farmers and small business stay afloat during this difficult economic time.”
The federal 2010 Agricultural Appropriations Bill set aside $290 million for DELAP payments. Farmers will receive compensation based on milk produced, up to six million pounds and the payment rate is expected to be $ 0.32 per hundredweight. According to Rep. Dave Obey, the average Wisconsin farmer with 85 cows can expect to receive at least $5,000.
The DELAP program will be administered through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Dairy farmers who have production records at their FSA county office will automatically receive payment. Farmers who have not provided production data to FSA will have until January 19, 2010 to apply. For more information, please contact your local FSA office.
County FSA Office Telephone Number
Buffalo County FSA (608) 685-4454
Clark County FSA (715) 743-3164
Dunn County FSA (715) 232-2614
Eau Claire County FSA (715) 839-5081
Jackson County FSA (715) 284-4515
Monroe County FSA (608) 269-8136
Pepin County FSA (715) 672-8663
Pierce County FSA (715) 273-5522
Trempealeau County FSA (715) 538-4396
Contact: Sen. Vinehout, 608-266-8546
Rep. Danou, 608-266-7015
