WASHINGTON — Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass is urging farmers to report any storm-related losses to their local Farm Service Agency offices, and to keep detailed records of any livestock or bee losses related to heat or storms.
“Although there’s no current FSA program for livestock or bees, there is a possibility that assistance may become available in the next farm bill, which is being debated in Congress right now,” said Douglass.
Records
West Virginia FSA Director Alfred Lewis said that records should include dates, numbers, cause of death and witnesses. He added that in past farm bills, livestock used for recreation, pleasure, hunting, shows, or as pets were not eligible for programs.
A list of West Virginia local FSA contact information is available at www.wvagriculture.org. For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov.