West Central Reporter

State Representative Randy Frese encouraged farmers to contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), saying, "Farmers impacted by severe weather in Illinois may be eligible to receive help." He made the statement in an August 1 Facebook post.

"Farmers impacted by severe weather in Illinois may be eligible to receive help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture," said Randy E Frese, according to Facebook.

In his Facebook post, Frese shared a link to a July 29 WIFR report that provided information about deadlines for various USDA assistance programs. These include the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program, the Tree Assistance Program, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

Screenshot of Rep. Randy Frese's Aug. 1 Facebook post | Rep. Randy Frese Facebook page

According to the report, the deadline for the Livestock Indemnity Program is March 3, 2025; and for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program is January 30, 2025. The Tree Assistance Program and Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program deadlines are within 90 days of the loss of trees or crops.

"Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local FSA county office to timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses. To expedite FSA disaster assistance, you will likely need to provide documents such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses," said Scott Halpin, State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Illinois.

The USDA website states that the Livestock Indemnity Program offers benefits for livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather and pays out 75% of the average fair market value of the livestock. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish provides financial assistance for losses due to certain adverse weather events or loss conditions. The Tree Assistance Program provides financial assistance to qualifying orchardists and growers to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters.

Frese is the State Representative for the 99th District. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences/Agriculture at Western Illinois University. His career includes roles as a sales and service representative for White Farm Equipment and as an industrial minerals salesman before building his own businesses in Adams County. He and his wife are members of the Adams County Farm Bureau. Frese has also served on the Board of Directors for the Adams County Fair and Quincy Catholic Charities Board.