The Washington State Dairy Federation
The Voice of the Dairy Farmer
Since 1892
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The Washington State Dairy Federation
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Flood/Storm Relief
The WSDF Dairy Relief Fund Organizations, businesses and individuals have contacted the Federation office offering help for the victims of the Winter Storm and Floods; while nothing can make the pain for these farmers go away, your donated time, money, animals or feed is appreciated and will help get them back in business. Cash, feed or your time is best today; but we are also asking those of you that can donate animal to please make that commitment now. We will be coordinating the delivery of cash and donated livestock to each of these farms as they are ready. If you have questions regarding animal donations please contact the office.
The Federation has set up an account dedicated exclusively to assisting Dairy Producers (please note this is not a tax deducible contribution). Please make checks to: WSDF Dairy Relief Fund PO Box 1768 Elma, WA 98541
If you prefer a "tax deductible charitable contribution" please contact us and we will help facilitate "tax deductible status" for donations of cash, feed, or livestock through the Washington State FFA Foundation. Please have your tax ID number when you contact us.
Thank you for supporting the Washington State Dairy Farmers through this tough time; together we can make a difference. If you have questions, please give the WSDF Office a call at (360) 482-3485 ~~~ Other Disaster Assistance Programs Available Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs Extended to Cover December Storm Losses Spokane, WA, (January 8, 2008) – Western Washington farmers and ranchers who lost livestock, feed and suffered crop damages during last month's windstorm and floods may receive financial relief according to Jack Silzel, Farm Service Agency State Director in Spokane. "Congress extended the timeframe for federal agricultural disaster programs under an omnibus spending bill signed December 26, 2007. This allows producers who had recent losses in the devastating December storms to benefit from the disaster assistance programs." The Farm Service Agency received reports of losses from more than 150 Western Washington producers after the December storm. The extension pertains to the Livestock Compensation Program, Livestock Indemnity Program and Crop Disaster Program. Since last fall, the Farm Service Agency has been accepting applications for losses caused by natural disasters that occurred between January 1, 2005 and February 28, 2007. The action by Congress extends the timeframe to include disasters that occurred by December 31, 2007. An end date for the signup has not been established. The Livestock Compensation Program compensates livestock producers for feed losses which occurred as a result of the storm. More than 50 producers reported losses of feed. "Floodwaters washed away hay and the water ruined much of what remained in hard hit areas," said Silzel. "The storm hit at a time when feed prices are already high because of a tight supply."The Livestock Indemnity Program pays producers for the physical loss of livestock due to natural disasters caused by the storm. About 30 producers reported livestock losses to the Farm Service Agency following the storm. "About 1,500 head of livestock were lost with most losses being dairy cows," said Silzel. "Producers also lost sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens." Producers had to have losses in counties that received a Secretarial or Presidential Disaster Declaration before they are eligible for the livestock programs. Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston and Yakima received designations as a result of the December 2007 storm. Producers in contiguous counties may also sign up for disaster assistance if they had damages from the storm. The Crop Disaster Program provides payments to producers who suffered damage to their crops. Damage includes decreased yields or prevented plantings. It also includes lower prices received due to impaired crop quality. The program covers losses that occurred in 2005, 2006 or 2007 if the crop was planted, or prevented from being planted, before December 31, 2007. Producers may claim losses for multiple crops in multiple years with payments paid for the most beneficial year. Producers must also have obtained crop insurance or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the year for which the claim benefits. Yield loss must exceed 35 percent to be eligible for the Crop Disaster Program. The Crop Disaster Program also covers damage which results in crops being sold for lower prices than they would be sold had the natural disaster not taken place. Rules for the "quality loss" portion of the Crop Disaster Program have not been finalized and the agency will be announcing a program sign-up date in the future. For all three disaster programs, producers who suffered losses due to disasters in 2005 or 2006, as well as 2007 will receive payments for the year they had the greatest loss. Producers may receive payments from each program, however. "A producer who lost livestock and hay in the floods may be able to receive a Livestock Indemnity Program payment and also a Livestock Compensation Program payment," explained Silzel. For additional information about the Livestock Compensation Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program, or the Crop Disaster Program check the Farm Service Agency website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov or call your local United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office. ~~~
Mission
"To develop and promote initiatives directed toward the financial strength,
political support, and public awareness of our industry to achieve a
successful business climate for dairy farmers in Washington State."
History
The Washington State Dairy Federation was formed in 1892 by dairy farmers concerned about the legislature's activity. Today the federation continues to be a voluntary membership organization representing the state's 600 dairy producers.
We remain the legislative and regulatory monitoring arm for the dairy industry in the state of Washington. Our responsibilities include maintaining dialogue with the state regulatory agencies and working with elected officials to promote the interests of dairy producers in the state of Washington.
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Board of Directors
2008
President Chuck Hayes, District 2
VICE - PRESIDENT Tony Veiga, District 3
SECRETARY / TREASURER Ron Wesen, District 1
Immediate-Past President LaDon Linde, District 3
Board of Directors Jim Heeringa , District 1Michael Schoneveld , District 1Bill Goeres, District 2 Case Vander Meulen, District 3 Tom DeVries, District 3 Dwain Forester, District 4 Tony Freeman, District 4 ***
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Last Update: 05/05/2008 |
