Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) led the state’s delegation in calling on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to swiftly approve Iowa’s request for federal assistance.
Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig made the request on behalf of farmers hit by severe storms and tornadoes last month. Reynolds and Naig are seeking immediate issuance of a USDA Secretarial Designation authorizing the Farm Service Agency disaster programs, including the Farm Loans Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program. The USDA designation would assist farmers in eight counties while recovering from April’s storms.
“We respectfully ask that you activate any and all eligible assistance for the affected eight counties as a result of severe storms, including 24 tornadoes that impacted Iowa on April 26-27,” the letter says. “A significant emergency response was needed as a result of these severe storms that damaged grain bins and farm equipment.”
