Monday March 25 Ag News

Rain/Snow Forecasts and Drought Monitor Offer Hope
Al Dutcher, UNL Extension State Climatologist

The March 19 U.S. Drought Monitor shows a one-category improvement from Exceptional (D4) to Extreme (D3) conditions for a small portion of eastern and north central Nebraska. The largest improvement was in an area east of Clay Center to Albion and south of a line from Columbus to West Point. This area benefitted from a combined rain/snow storm March 9-10.

The second widespread area of improvement was north of a line from Gordon to Ainsworth where several recent snows have improved top soil moisture. Soil moisture monitoring sites operated by the High Plains Regional Climate Center now indicate that field capacity has been reached at the 12-inch depth in the area designated as D3. It should be noted that the primary soil type in this region is sand and that field capacity would be 1 inch of available moisture.

Drought conditions were also degraded in the central Platte River valley for counties adjacent to the south side of the river between Kearney and Grand Island. After an examination of soil moisture values in this region, it was deemed that the Drought Monitor authors had been too aggressive in their depiction of the impacts of recent storm activity.

Although there was a return to D4 conditions in this region, additional storm activity in the next few weeks will likely return this area to D3 conditions. Since the drought has been firmly established for more than 18 months, soil moisture will be the most significant criteria in determining when D4 conditions are reduced to D3.

I and other Drought Monitor contributors in Nebraska have recommended that areas in the remaining D4 area should be improved to D3 conditions once field capacity has been reached at 1 foot. This would signify that 20% of the top five feet of the profile has reached field capacity. It should be noted that almost all soil moisture monitoring sites in the state are lower than they were at the same time last year. In addition, soil moisture depletion was already initiated at this time last year due to excessively warm temperatures that resulted in rapid green-up of grasses and trees.

Models indicate a high probability of below normal temperatures through the end of the month. It also appears that a significant snow event will materialize in the central Plains this weekend, with northern Kansas and Nebraska likely to be at the center of this activity. Projected water equivalent moisture for this storm across the southern half of the state is 0.50-0.75 inches.

Another system is projected to roll into the region at the end of the month and bring additional moisture to the region. It is too early to tell the exact storm track of this system, but early indications are that some areas could receive over an inch of moisture. A return to more spring like warmth is expected across the central Plains the first week of April.

If both of the projected storm systems materialize over the next 10 days, it is likely that most, if not all of the D4 areas will disappear in Nebraska. Unfortunately, the hydrological drought signal will likely remain with us through this growing season.



‘Tode Awards Recognize Results of SCN Sampling
John Wilson, UNL Extension Educator, Burt County
Loren Giesler, UNL Extension Plant Pathologist, Lincoln

The ’Tode Awards are given annually to Nebraska counties for their work in sampling for soybean cyst nematodes, the most devastating pest in our soybean. Last year SCN losses were estimated at $40 million in Nebraska and over $1 billion nationally.

Losses from SCN can be reduced if a farmer knows it is present, but there’s the catch! Farmers can have yield losses of 20-30% with no visible plant symptoms. Often the first indication of an SCN problem is when soybean yields plateau, or even start to drop off, while corn yields continue to increase in the same field.
Identifying the Problem

The best way to determine if SCN is present in a field is to take a soil test. The Nebraska Soybean Board recognizes the seriousness of this pest and has funded a project with UNL to encourage farmers to sample their fields for SCN. The Soybean Board’s support covers the cost of analyzing soil samples, normally a $20 per sample cost.

Project Results
We just completed the eighth year of this project with some staggering results. Since 2005, almost 4,400 samples have been submitted and SCN has been identified in 27 Nebraska counties for the first time. That's twice the number of counties where it had been previously identified. Since it was first discovered in Nebraska in 1986, SCN has now been identified in 54 counties that produce over 90% of Nebraska’s soybeans.

Without the Nebraska Soybean Board’s support, we would not have been able to reach this many Nebraska farmers. In 2012, 540 samples were submitted and 219 (40.6%) were positive for SCN. From these results, our panel of judges has identified the 4th Annual ’Tode Award winners.

And the winners are …

Most Samples Submitted
Winner: Buffalo County (109)
Honorable Mention: Kearney County (45), Saunders County (40), Platte County (29)

Most Samples Positive for SCN
Winner: Buffalo County (32)
Honorable Mention: Saunders County (31), Kearney County (20), Seward County (16)

Highest Perceptage of Samples Positive for SCN
Winner: Douglas County (100%)
Honorable Mention: Dodge County (82%), Polk County (80%), Madison County (78%)

Sample with Highest Egg Count (number of eggs/100 ccs of soil)
Winner: Pierce County (88,200)
Honorable Mention: Seward County (45,240), Saunders County (37,560), Platte County (31,360)

This is the first time in 15 years that we haven’t detected SCN in a new county, but that's not surprising given that less than 10% of the state’s soybean production comes from counties where it hasn't been identified. Having over 40% of the samples come back positive for SCN was the highest level since we began the sampling program.

Although it often goes undetected, SCN is here and is reducing the profitability of Nebraska's soybean production. To learn more about SCN or to pick up bags for submitting soil samples contact your local UNL Extension office.



USDA Accepts Fortenberry Recommendations for Program Reforms

Reforms proposed by Congressman Jeff Fortenberry to reduce fraud and save taxpayer money recently became part of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) audit report. Findings of the Inspector General’s audit of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were highlighted yesterday during a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing.

“SNAP greatly benefits many American families in need,” Fortenberry said. “It’s an important program, and we should always be mindful that it runs efficiently, ensuring its integrity.  I raised concerns in 2011 about potential areas of abuse. I am pleased the Inspector General’s audit has found ways to reform practices that may lead to significant taxpayer savings, and I appreciate the Food and Nutrition Service’s cooperation in seeing that the appropriate reforms are implemented.”

At a hearing in December 2011, Fortenberry, as chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, and Credit, sought an audit of certain practices within SNAP.  This week’s Appropriations hearing outlined the key findings of that audit.  The audit sampled 10 states across the country, finding that 27,000 people receive SNAP benefits even though they may be ineligible for the program, potentially costing taxpayers $3.7 million each month.  Looking at all 50 states, even a small amount of fraud within SNAP ends up costing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars each year.

The Inspector General’s report can be found at http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/27002-0011-13.pdf.



PUBLIC HEARING Scheduled Regarding a District-Wide Change to the Upper Big Blue NRD’s RULE 5 for Water Quantity

A Public Hearing concerning proposed changes to the District’s Rule 5 is scheduled for April 23, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the York Holiday Inn (I-80 & HWY 81 south of York, Nebraska).  From 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. an informational meeting will take place outlining the reasons proposed for the rule changes, and to also allow the public to ask questions.  Beginning at 7:30 p.m. public testimony will commence and be recorded.  The two proposed changes are regarding groundwater transfers and artesian well migration/abatement.

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District Proposes New Rules for Groundwater Transfers and Artesian Wells:As far as existing artesian wells are concerned, discussion will address uncontrolled artesian well flow, artesian well flow in relation to possible future allocations of irrigated acres if the groundwater table reaches the allocation trigger, and proper abandonment of artesian wells.  Rule changes are also proposed for proper well construction in areas that have artesian conditions.

In regard to groundwater transfers, possible changes to Rule 5 would include prohibiting transfers into, or out of the government survey sections in designated areas in the District.  In other words, the rule change could include enactment of Groundwater Transfer Limitation Areas where groundwater should not be transferred into, or out of specific areas where geological conditions have with limited groundwater.  The proposed rule changes and a map are available for viewing online at www.upperbigblue.org  and at the Upper Big Blue NRD office, 105 N. Lincoln Avenue, York, Nebraska.



Cover Crops and Crop Insurance Requirements in Nebraska for 2013
Monte Vandeveer, UNL Extension Educator, Otoe County

After the severe losses in forage production from the 2012 drought, Nebraska cover crop growers have a special opportunity to hay or graze these crops without endangering crop insurance coverage for their 2013 corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum.

The Topeka regional office of USDA’s Risk Management Agency, which oversees crop insurance operations for Nebraska, has announced some special provisions for haying or grazing cover crops on Nebraska farmland which will later be planted to spring row crops. The purpose of these two special provisions is to increase forage supplies after last year’s drought, provided that this does not increase the chance of loss on the insured crops planted later this spring. The intent of the rules is to see that the haying or grazing of the cover crop does not deplete soil moisture or shorten the growing season of the regular spring crop in ways that would reduce its yield.

Specifically, the rules state that the cover crop must be terminated
-    before it reaches a critical stage of maturity (defined differently below for eastern and western Nebraska), and
-    so that use of the cover crop does not result in prevented planting to the regular spring crop.

Cover crops may be grown and their forage used for haying or grazing prior to reaching either of these points. If these conditions are violated, insurance coverage will not attach to the regular crop planted later in the spring.

The “critical stage of maturity” in the first provision is defined differently in eastern and western Nebraska, with western Nebraska having an earlier termination point. In eastern Nebraska, cover crops may be allowed to grow until 50% of the field has headed or budded, while in western Nebraska, the cover crop must be terminated before heading or budding occurs. If the cover crop is not destroyed before it reaches this critical stage, the regular crop planted later will not be insured.

RMA’s definition of a cover crop is “a crop generally recognized by agricultural experts as agronomically sound for the area for erosion control or other purposes related to conservation or soil improvement.” A perennial hay crop just harvested does not count as a cover crop in this case. Also, inter-planting (the practice of planting the main crop into the living cover crop) is not permitted; the cover crop must be terminated before the insured crop is planted for the crop insurance coverage to attach.

As always, producers should check with their crop insurance agent to get details on dates and suitable practices for their locale. 



NU Water for Food Conference to Focus on Building Resilient Agroecosystems

Recent years have seen major droughts, floods and extreme temperatures affecting vast areas of the globe, including some of its most productive agricultural regions. Experts from around the world will discuss those challenges during the 2013 Water for Food Conference May 5-8 in Lincoln.

The conference, whose theme is "Too Hot, Too Wet, Too Dry: Building Resilient Agroecosystems," will be at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Hosted by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the fifth annual conference will feature plenary addresses by Benedito Braga, president, World Water Council; Rosina Bierbaum, University of Michigan; Cynthia Rosenzweig, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies; Christo Fabricius, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; Heidi Cullen, Climate Central; and others to be announced.

NU President James B. Milliken said, "The University of Nebraska is pleased to again host the global Water for Food Conference, an event that brings together leading scientists, farmers and ranchers, policymakers, educators and many others to discuss one of the world's most pressing challenges: how to use the world's finite supply of water to feed a growing global population.

"The university and Nebraska are well-positioned to play a leadership role in this critical area and I believe that's why our conference has generated such strong global interest," Milliken added. "This year's theme – building resilient agroecosystems – is particularly timely given the extreme temperatures and weather-related events that have impacted Nebraska and the world in recent years. We look forward to another productive conference."

Registration is $250, which includes all conference events, materials and meals. Online registration and more information are available at the conference website: http://waterforfood.nebraska.edu/wff2013/.

Highlights also include:
– Surviving the 2012 Drought: 80 Years of Innovation
– "A View from the Field" panel featuring an international group of agricultural producers
– Technical sessions on "Resilience in Working Agricultural Landscapes" and "Livestock and Water: Global perspectives"
– Case studies on Drought Preparedness and Planning
– "Communicating about Climate" roundtable discussion
– "Cool Tools and Technologies for Agricultural and Water Research"
– "Research in Action"
– Graduate Student Poster competition focused on conference themes

The annual Water for Food Conference brings together experts from around the globe to discuss one of the greatest challenges facing our world today: how can we double our agricultural production by 2050 to feed an expected population of 9 billion people and do it using less water than we use today?

Since 2009 more than 1,300 people from 28 countries including farmers, scientists, policy-makers, students, educators, politicians, conservationists, industry leaders and philanthropists have gathered to discuss how innovations in science, technology and policy will enable agriculture to sustainably feed an increasingly hungry and thirsty world.

The Water for Food Conference is the preeminent event of the university's Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute, a research, policy and education institute established in 2010 and committed to efficiently using the world's limited freshwater resources to ensure a reliable food supply.



ISU Extension and Outreach Week is March 24-30

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is celebrating Extension and Outreach Week throughout the state March 24-30, 2013.

“It’s one way we can say ‘thank you’ to the many volunteers, community leaders, organizations, agencies and other partners who support ISU Extension and Outreach work in Iowa,” said Cathann Kress, vice president for ISU Extension and Outreach.

County extension offices will be holding open houses and other activities throughout the week. Iowans may contact their ISU Extension and Outreach county office for details about local events.

“Abraham Lincoln signed the law that gave birth to the land-grant universities. Iowa State was one of the first of these special colleges founded on three big ideas: to open higher education to all, to teach practical classes and to share knowledge far beyond the campus borders,” Kress said. “Our educational programs harness Iowa State University resources to meet the needs of Iowans.”

ISU Extension and Outreach is part of an educational network supported by Iowa State University, local county governments and the United States Department of Agriculture. Every county in Iowa has an elected extension council that decides how local tax dollars are spent to support ISU Extension and Outreach educational programs at the county level. Each year nearly a million people from every county directly benefit from Extension and Outreach programs – and more than a million people are reached online.

Extension and Outreach grows businesses and strengthen communities
Companies who worked with our Center for Industrial Research and Services (CIRAS) last year reported $414 million in total impact which included making $46 million in new investments and creating or retaining more than 5,600 jobs.

We also provide skills training for more than 40,000 community leaders, local government officials, business owners, entrepreneurs, and volunteers each year.

Extension and Outreach supports a safe, sustainable and affordable food supply
More than 6,000 Iowans received information to help them with drought-related issues in 2012.

Our drought response continues as we look ahead to 2013 and anticipate Iowan’s needs for their farms, families, businesses, and communities.

Extension and Outreach helps Iowa become the healthiest state in the nation
Nearly 2,000 child care providers improved nutrition skills leading to healthier eating and activities for the children in their care.

Extension and Outreach prepares our young people for the future
Extension and Outreach programs engage Iowa youth in science, technology, engineering, and math activities and 4-H projects ranging from environmental stewardship to polymer experiments and DNA extraction. We build STEM skills in our young people to prepare Iowa’s future workforce.  More than 105,000 – that’s 1-in-5 – school-age youth participated in 4-H programs last year.



Top Ten of Iowa’s Best Burger contest scattered across the state

Burger lovers provided lots of answers to the question “Who has Iowa’s Best Burger?” After counting the votes, the top ten restaurants for 2013 are ready to move on to the next level: the selection of Iowa’s Best Burger, which will be announced the first week of May.

In its fourth year, Iowa’s Best Burger contest received over 6,320 nominations that named 349 Iowa restaurants. The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association counted the nominations that came in via online, texting and paper ballots. The results are (in alphabetical order):
61 Chop House Grille, Mediapolis
-  Ankeny Diner, Ankeny
-  B&B Grocery, Meat & Deli, Des Moines
-  Elm’s Club, Creston
-  First Street Grille, Keosauqua
-  JB’s Bar & Grill, Marcus
-  Rosco’s, Norwalk
-  Sam’s Sodas and Sandwiches, Carroll
-  The Ritz, Arnold’s Park
-  Zombie Burger, Des Moines

“The Top Ten nominations are scattered throughout the state,” says Scott Niess, an Osage farmer who is chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council. “The nominations covered restaurants over 170 Iowa communities. That response shows that Iowans and Iowa restaurants know that burgers will always be a popular item. Restaurants love to make burgers and their customers love to eat them.”

“Although we won’t announce Iowa’s Best Burger until the first week of May, we encourage everyone to stop at one of the Top Ten restaurants for a burger,” Niess says. “Iowans have a very special place in their heart for burgers. The burger is the all–American classic served in almost every restaurant from the local café to the finest white tablecloth establishment.”

Nominations for the contest were made from Feb. 15 through March 18, 2013. The Top Ten restaurants were the top vote-getters. All Top Ten restaurants will receive a certificate, and will be visited by a secret panel of judges who will evaluate the hamburgers based on taste, appearance, and proper serving temperature.

“We’re really happy to promote Iowa restaurants who do a great job of serving beef,” said ICA President Ed Greiman of Garner. “We have a lot in common. Cattle producers and local restaurants are both small business owners who have a great passion for food – either producing it or preparing it. And, both local restaurants and farmers are important to the economic well-being of hundreds of communities around the state.”

To continue to learn more about the contest, you can visit www.iabeef.org or “friend” the Iowa Beef Council Facebook© page. You’ll also find a map showing the locations of the Top Ten restaurants.

Last year, 4,250 nominations for the Best Burger title were received. The winner was the Coon Bowl III in Coon Rapids. Other previous winners include Sac County Cattle Company of Sac City, 2010; and Rusty Duck in Dexter, 2011.



Beef Checkoff Represented at the 1st New England Meat Conference

The beef checkoff, through the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative was positively represented to over 250 New England packers, restaurant operators, retailers, producers, and meat cutters at the first ever New England Meat Conference held in Concord, New Hampshire on March 22-23, 2013.

Honored as a Porterhouse sponsor, the beef checkoff had a presence at the two-day trade show during the conference where beef educational materials, cut charts, and merchandising materials were distributed. Attendees also had the opportunity to enter the “Best of Beef” raffle basket which included a signed copy of the Art of Beef Cutting by Kari Underly, Founder of Range, Inc. and a 5-piece Beef it’s What’s for Dinner kitchen steak knife set among other promotional materials.

The conference kicked off with a beef checkoff sponsored 60-minute educational demonstration presented by the James Beard Nominated author, Kari Underly who broke down a square chuck primal for the attendees. Underly demonstrated the beef value cuts from both the beef shoulder clod and chuck roll in an effort to highlight the value potential and variety of cuts available from the beef chuck contrasted to the more traditional cuts fabricated from this primal.

“By having a presence at the first New England Meat Conference, the beef checkoff was able to be reach a large crowd of influencers in the New England meat industry and for some of the attendees, this was their first interaction with the beef checkoff program,” notes Christie Brown, Director of Retail and Foodservice for the Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative. “The conference provided attendees with a very unique occasion for producers, packers, chefs, and retailers to all come together and openly discuss the opportunities and challenges throughout the production chain.”



Farm Banks Increase Ag Lending During 2012

U.S. agricultural banks increased farm and ranch lending by 13.9 percent, or $10 billion, in 2012 and held $81.8 billion at the end of the year, according to the American Bankers Association’s annual Farm Bank Performance Report.

The nation's 2,215 farm banks also added more than 3,615 jobs, a 4.2 percent increase, and employed 90,569 rural Americans.

"The continued growth in farm loans demonstrates the important role banks play in the success of farms and ranches both large and small," said John Blanchfield, senior vice president and director of ABA's Center for Agricultural and Rural Banking. "Banks remain the most important source of ag credit holding more than half of all farm loans."

More than 95 percent of farm banks were profitable in 2012, with 67 percent reporting an increase in earnings.

"The ag economy is strong and getting stronger with a favorable outlook. Our nation's farm banks remain optimistic despite the challenge to find additional revenue sources," said Blanchfield.

Farm banks experienced an improvement in asset quality in 2012, as customers benefited from the strong farm economy. Non-performing loans declined to 1.49 percent of total loans, close to pre-recession levels.



AMPI reports $1.7 billion in sales

Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) delivered sales of $1.7 billion and earnings of $9.3 million in 2012, announced leaders of the milk marketing cooperative owned by 2,900 Upper Midwest dairy farmers. Some 350 voting delegates and guests are reviewing the company’s progress during their annual business meeting that concludes tomorrow at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington, Minn.

AMPI’s core products were the cooperative’s top performers in 2012. Cheese production, which represents 57 percent of total sales, grew by more than 11 million pounds as compared to one year earlier. Butter production continued to grow steadily, increasing 5 million pounds. Consumer-packaged cheese and butter represented nearly half of the cooperative’s sales.

“Our cheese-packaging plant in Portage, Wis., and the New Ulm, Minn., butter plant were major contributors to the cooperative’s bottom line. In the last five years, our consumer-packaged cheese and butter sales have grown exponentially,” said AMPI President and CEO Ed Welch, who indicated orders from food service customers fueled much of the growth.

Following the performance review, AMPI Chairman of the Board Steve Schlangen discussed the cooperative’s strategies for long-term performance. “As a dairy farmer-owned cooperative, AMPI is uniquely positioned to market our locally produced dairy products to food service, retail and food ingredient customers across the nation,” Schlangen said.

Strengthening the cooperative’s manufacturing portfolio, with a renewed focus on cheese, butter and powdered dairy products, led to the sale of two businesses in 2012. “Selling the Cass-Clay plant and brand in Fargo, N.D., and our cheese sauce and pudding business in Dawson, Minn., was a bold step,” Schlangen said. “However, these two businesses accounted for only 5 percent of AMPI’s total annual revenue.”

The annual meeting culminates with delegates considering resolutions and reviewing the cooperative’s legislative priorities.



AGCO Corp. Offering AgCam As A Factory Option On Combines

Dakota Micro, Inc. is proud to announce a new factory install partnership with AGCO Corp. AGCO Customers will now have the ability to purchase Gleaner, Massey Ferguson and Challenger Combines with the AgCam camera as a factory installed option.

"It's a match made in the sieve, and on the auger... and in the grain tank," jokes Charissa Rubey, Director of Sales and Marketing for Dakota Micro, Inc. "AGCO has a rich and diverse product line that includes unforgettable brands such as Gleaner,  Massey Ferguson & Challenger, and Dakota Micro is proud to be included as a factory option on these heritage brands that were born in the heartland, just like us."

"The new factory installed AgCam camera option provides total visibility for our customers in any key areas they feel is important to monitor, right from the cab seat. Whether you are an owner operator or a custom harvester, you will find the AgCam will provide our customers with a high quality picture of what is going on anywhere they desire," says Kevin Bien, Brand Marketing Manager for Gleaner combines.     

AgCam cameras have been engineered to withstand the harshest environments with ease and reliability. Featuring a completely waterproof housing, these cameras can be used in a variety of situations, producing excellent results, day or night. AgCam features a 3 year warranty, auto darkening lens, crimp resistant cables and infrared night vision.



DEADLINE EXTENDED: Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Must be Filed by MAY 1, 2013

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the extension of the voluntary claims process for Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers who allege discrimination by the USDA in past decades. All claims must now be filed by MAY 1, 2013.

"Hispanic and women farmers who believe they have faced discriminatory practices in the past from the USDA have additional time to file a claim in order to have a chance to receive a cash payment or loan forgiveness," said Secretary Vilsack. "USDA urges potential claimants to contact the Claims Administrator for information and to file their claim packages on or before May 1, 2013."

The process offers a voluntary alternative to litigation for each Hispanic or female farmer and rancher who can prove that USDA denied his or her application for loan or loan servicing assistance for discriminatory reasons for certain time periods between 1981 and 2000.

As announced in February 2011, the voluntary claims process will make available at least $1.33 billion for cash awards and tax relief payments, plus up to $160 million in farm debt relief, to eligible Hispanic and women farmers and ranchers. There are no filing fees to participate in the program.

Call center representatives can be reached at 1-888-508-4429. Claimants may register for a claims package (by calling the number or visiting the website) or may download the forms from the website. All those interested in learning more or receiving information about the claims process and claims packages are encouraged to visit the website at any time or to contact the call center telephone number Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Claim packages and other documentation may be mailed to Hispanic and Women Farmers and Ranchers Claims Administrator, PO Box 4540, Portland, OR 97208-4540. Claim packages and other documentation may also be emailed to claims@hwfr.org. Claimants may also fax claims packages and other documentation to (855) 626-8343. Completed forms and documentation must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PDT on May 1, 2013.

Once a claim is submitted to the Claims Administrator, the Claims Administrator will determine if it is timely and complete. If it is, the claim will move to the Claims Adjudicator for a determination on the merits of the claim. USDA may submit evidence to the Claims Adjudicator regarding the claim. If a claim is deemed incomplete, a claimant will be notified by the Claims Administrator and given the opportunity to provide additional information within a certain timeframe. Claimants may check the status of their claims on the claims website.

Website: www.farmerclaims.gov
Phone: 1-888-508-4429
Fax: (855) 626-8343
Email: claims@hwfr.org
Claims Period: September 24, 2012 – May 1, 2013.

Independent companies will administer the claims process and adjudicate the claims. Although there are no filing fees to participate and a lawyer is not required to participate in the claims process, persons seeking legal advice may contact a lawyer or other legal services provider.