During the National Association of Farm Broadcaster’s Washington Watch event in Washington D.C., the group of broadcasters had the chance to meet with the deputy administrator for insurance services at the USDA, Delores Dean. Farm Director, KC Sheperd is featuring comments from the deputy administrator talking about programs available for ag producers.
Regarding the expansion of livestock risk protection programs, Dean said that effort is ongoing.
“We are actually considering starting road shows for livestock products this year,” Dean said. “We are actively looking at livestock programs. (There is) potentially something new on the horizon coming out as well on that front.”
In many states, including Oklahoma, insurance for wildfires has been a topic of discussion for producers as dry weather, heat, and wind have taken their toll on many operations. Dean communicated to the group of farm broadcasters that crop insurance covers wildfire loss.
“I think crop insurance is solid in their funding,” Dean said.
For producers who need assistance with wildfire protection or learning more about the programs offered, Dean suggested working through their regional office.
“There are several options of coverage available to producers,” Dean said.
If there is a need for expansion in some programs, Dean said the regional office is also a great place to start by submitting data for collection and talking with an agent.
