Lawmakers call on USDA to help after wildfires

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann have urged U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to take immediate action to support those affected by the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Kansas

.“We write today (Feb. 22) to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture take immediate action to support those affected by the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Kansas,”wrote the delegation.“Across multiple Kansas counties, including Clark, Comanche, Finney, Rawlins, Seward and Stevens, the wildfires burned thousands of acres, destroyed critical fencing and hay supplies, and resulted in substantial livestock losses. These damages have placed extraordinary strain on farmers, ranchers and rural communities already operating under challenging conditions.

“We appreciate the resources USDA provides through the Farm Service Agency to assist farmers in recovering from disasters, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Emergency Conservation Program. These programs play an essential role in helping farmers and ranchers manage unforeseen and catastrophic events.

“Following the 2017 wildfires in Kansas, members of the Kansas congressional delegation championed important improvements to USDA disaster programs, and the USDA provided additional funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and program flexibility to help those in need. These changes, including the removal of payment limits for livestock losses and the authorization of payments for animals sold at reduced value due to disaster-related impacts, have significantly enhanced the ability of producers to recover from wildfire devastation.

“Thank you for the work that you do to ensure that American agriculture producers are able to continue their livelihoods, even when faced with natural disasters.”

Following the 2017 fires in Kansas, Sen. Moran worked to secure changes to USDA’s standing disaster programs to better assist producers impacted by the wildfires, including removing the payment limit for livestock losses and allowing payments for animals that were sold for a lower price due to the disaster.