In an effort to provide a one-stop shop for farmers and ranchers affected by the recent wildfires in southcentral Kansas, the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has created a page on its website to serve as a resource center for the various programs and initiatives with recovery and relief information. The page can be found at http://agriculture.ks.gov/wildfire or by clicking on the banner on the front page of the KDA website.
Among the resources listed on the resources page is a link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) services to assist with specific losses related to the fire. The Farm Service Agency will host a public meeting for all producers affected by the Anderson Creek Fire on Wednesday, April 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the Barber County Heritage Center, 1067 S.E. Isabel Road, Medicine Lodge, Kan.
For those who have lost fencing in the wildfire, the USDA-FSA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) can help with a 75 percent cost-share on the actual costs of replacing fence. It is important that producers go to their USDA service center to fill out an application before building new fencing. Qualified expenses include ground preparation, removal of damaged fence, labor and fencing materials.
For those who have lost livestock or livestock feed in the fire, the USDA-FSA Emergency Livestock Assistance Program can help with up to 75 percent of livestock market value for death loss. Producers must apply within 30 days at their USDA service center and documentation is required in the form of pictures, receipts or third party verification.
Several other resources are also provided on the KDA website which will help those who were directly affected by the wildfire. For those who wish to help, the website offers multiple donation opportunities which are being coordinated by various agricultural organizations including Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Livestock Association.
This summary of resources will be updated as details change and as new information becomes available. KDA appreciates the many individuals and organizations that have been working to provide these resources. “While this is a challenging and heartbreaking time for farmers and ranchers, it’s been a true testament to the commitment and passion of Kansans to see how the agriculture industry has pulled together,” said Secretary of Agriculture Jackie McClaskey. “We are glad to serve the state by helping make these connections as the Kansas agriculture community moves forward.”
For more information about the recovery and relief efforts following the wildfires in southcentral Kansas, call KDA at 785-564-6700.
