Worried young farmer standing on field and looking at papers from bank, tractor in background
Wisconsin farmers, who are struggling during the pandemic crisis, still have a chance to sign up for federal aid. They’re urged to act quickly, as assistance groups say the latest round especially could help smaller producers.
Dec. 11 is the deadline for farmers to apply for help under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2. Alejandra Hernandez, the conservation policy associate for Wisconsin’s Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, said unlike the first round of funding, the new relief package has an expanded list of eligible commodities. She noted that can boost the chances of qualifying for those who aren’t producing on a larger scale.
“We have a lot of small to mid-sized producers, and a lot of them are selling at farmer’s markets, things like that,” Hernandez observed. She added many smaller producers, who relied heavily on demand from restaurants, have now shifted to direct marketing to stay afloat. The aid provided under the program comes in the form of direct payments, allowing farmers to cover needed expenses. At the onset of the pandemic, agricultural groups in Wisconsin had projected losses of tens of millions of dollars due to COVID-19 for a variety of commodities.
Michael Dolan, the owner of Seven Seeds Farm in Spring Green, raises organic and grass-fed beef, pork, and chicken. He said the new application process has been much more productive than the first, noting the local Farm Service Agency office helped with the paperwork and he received payment within two to four weeks. “Right now, it’s helping us with cash flow and to buy feed because we’re having to hang onto these animals longer,” Dolan explained.
He reported that’s because slaughter facilities in Wisconsin are backed up, adding to his operation’s dilemma. Dolan encouraged any farmer nervous about qualifying to at least explore the process.
Meanwhile, the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is providing direct help with applying for aid. The group’s website has a host of links, including a calculator to assess how much aid you could receive.
