Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Requests Assessment Reports Following Deadly Winter Storm
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today sent a letter to Tim Kelley, the state executive director for the Missouri Farm Service Agency, requesting damage assessment reports for eight Missouri counties faced with agricultural loss due to this month’s deadly winter storm. The damage reports are the first step to determine if the counties qualify to be declared natural disaster areas.
“Missouri farmers were affected by severe winter weather that pounded the area on December 1, with heavy snowfall and ice accumulation leading to the collapse of several livestock buildings,” Blunt said. “We have received numerous reports of barn collapses, mainly involving poultry. Growers contracted with Cargill lost 26 barns.”
Based on a review of United States Department of Agriculture Flash Situation Reports, Blunt requested damage assessments in Callaway, Camden, Laclede, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Polk and Pulaski Counties. Blunt requested the assessments to ensure Missouri’s farm families have access to federal assistance to help with income loss associated with the winter storm.
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