CDA, FSA, CSU Extension to host Digital Town Hall for Ag Businesses affected by Marshall Fire

The Colorado Department of Agriculture and the US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency are partnering with Boulder County and Colorado State University Extension Offices for a Tele Town Hall to answer questions about programs available for agricultural entities affected by the Marshall Fire in Boulder County. The Town Hall will be held on Tuesday, January 11 at 1:30 p.m.

Producers should first safely evaluate the disaster impact on their operation, then contact their local FSA office to report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses. To expedite FSA disaster assistance, affected ag producers will likely need to provide documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts, and pictures of damages or losses.

“During the town hall, we will answer questions producers might have about what programs are available through the Farm Service Agency, how to apply for funding, and how to document losses,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The FSA is partnering with the Colorado Department of Agriculture to support those who were affected by the Marshall Fire and help them access programs available to them.”

The FSA has several programs to help producers recover and rebuild from natural disasters, including wildfires and storms, such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), as well as multiple risk management and conservation programs.

Additionally, CSU Extension will discuss programs available through the Extension Office, an arm of Colorado State University that provides resources and research-based information to help Coloradans make informed decisions. Programs range from preparedness resources for natural disasters, agricultural business planning, animal health guidance, and supply chain issues.

Farmers, ranchers, food processors, beekeepers, agricultural business owners, and other members of the public are invited and encouraged to participate. 

Participants can submit a question ahead of time by using this online form. Questions will also be taken live.

Event details

What: Zoom Town Hall with USDA’s Farm Service Agency and the CO Dept. of Agriculture

Who: Emergency response and agriculture experts including:

  • Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg
  • Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux
  • Kent Peppler, FSA State Executive Director for Colorado
  • Adrian Card, Boulder County Extension and Ragan Adams, CSU Extension

When: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 1:30 pm MT

Where: Digital Town Hall: You must register to receive the link

Submit questions

Have a question? Submit it via an online form or contact CDA_info@state.co.us

About the Colorado Dept. of Agriculture

The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state’s agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy, and education. Our mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources. Learn more at ag.colorado.gov.

About CSU Extension

CSU Extension empowers Coloradans to address important and emerging community needs using dynamic, science-based educational resources. For over 100 years, CSU Extension has helped people in Colorado find the answers they need for a healthy home life, successful business and thriving community. We bring the University’s research-based resources to local communities across the state. Learn more at extension.colostate.edu