Dairy farm families in Pennsylvania affected by the massive flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee can apply for recovery funding through the state’s Center for Dairy Excellence.
“These tools are needed now more than ever, with many of Pennsylvania’s dairy farm families struggling to know how to move forward after being devastated by the flooding,” said John Frey, executive director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Producers can use these programs to plan for the future and work through difficult situations on the farm.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has identified a list of the programs that are available to farm families recovering from flood damage. A Dairy Decisions Consultant can help farms assess their individual situation, identify which programs are appropriate and ensure they are taking full advantage of all the resources available.
Up to $1,500 is available for individual farms to work with one of 13 dairy decisions consultants identified by the center who can help farms work through the planning and decision-making process that follows a catastrophic situation. For flood victims, the $250 application fee for this program will be waived.
Up to $1,500 is available for farms through the On-Farm Dairy Resource Team program for farm families who want assistance from a team of individuals to help them identify their needs and develop a plan to move forward. There is no application fee involved in this program.