Letter to Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Disaster Declarations

Letter

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

Severe and uncharacteristic weather has occurred in various locations in Idaho during the month of August. The result of these storms is adding up to significant losses for farmers. In multiple locations, excessive rainfall late in the summer amounted to several inches more than what is normal for the region. These severe rain events could not have come at a worse time as mature wheat and barley crops were nearing harvest. Other crops, such as hay, peas and beans, have been adversely impacted as well. In response to these weather events, local Farm Service Agency officials have been working with affected producers to document damage and losses and, in some cases, have requested secretarial disaster declarations for the most affected areas to provide additional opportunities for relief.

Agriculture is a central pillar of Idaho's economy and the late summer rains have been very problematic for producers. For example, the Twin Falls County Emergency Board notes that more than fifty percent of the value of the county's grain crop has likely been lost due to the rain. Additionally, ninety-five percent of the barley in this area is grown for malting purposes. However, the excessive August rainfall has caused sprout damage that is making much of the barley crop only suitable for lower priced animal feed. The Twin Falls County Farm Service Agency states that early economic loss estimates total $12.8 million for that county alone. Similar situations are occurring for farmers elsewhere in Idaho.

It is clear that these weather events have had a destructive impact on many important agriculture regions in Idaho, making the farm safety net all the more important at this time. Twin Falls, Jerome and Clearwater counties have already submitted requests for disaster declarations due to adverse weather. It is our understanding more counties in Idaho may be requesting disaster declarations in the near future and it is our hope that you will promptly review and grant these declarations so our farmers and rural communities may begin to recover as soon as possible. As affected counties continue the effort to assess, document and report damage, we appreciate the ongoing assistance and resources provided by your agency.

Should you have any questions regarding this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your consideration.

Source