Chairwoman Stabenow Urges Michigan Farmers, Ranchers and Growers to Sign-up for Strengthened Disaster Assistance

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, announced that starting today eligible farmers and ranchers in Michigan can sign up for federal disaster assistance. The support, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program, and the Tree Assistance Program, is made possible by Chairwoman Stabenow's 2014 Farm Bill, which President Obama signed at Michigan State University in February.

"No family should lose the farm or the ranch because of a few days of bad weather," said Stabenow. "While nothing can replace the livestock, crops and trees that are lost or damaged, this assistance will help provide much-needed support for our Michigan farmers, ranchers and growers. I urge those affected to take advantage of these strengthened protections included in the bipartisan 2014 Farm Bill."

Farmers and ranchers wishing to sign up for retroactive assistance and protection for potential 2014 losses can begin the process today. Producers have between three and nine months to apply, depending on the program and the year losses were incurred.

For more information, please click here or contact your local Farm Service Agency.