Among the top concerns of Missouri farmers following severe weather are the safety and well-being of their livestock. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has worked with Gov. Nixon, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other state and local organizations to make assistance available to Missouri's agriculture industry, especially producers, following recent weather events.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been notified of a federal emergency designation following the severe winter storm which occurred Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2011. This designation follows the state of emergency declared by Gov. Nixon and joint efforts between the Missouri Department of Agriculture and Missouri Department of Transportation to temporarily ease some hauling restrictions related to agricultural commodities.

"We are dedicated to providing Missouri farmers with information they need to help them recover from losses from natural disasters," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We continue to work with folks in every corner of our state to ensure they have the resources necessary and to help move agriculture forward."

Farmers should document any losses or additional costs experienced as a result of these weather events; as such information is often required for producers to be eligible for physical and/or production loss loan assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), and other, assistance programs.

Information from USDA Farm Service Agency regarding opportunities for farmers following harsh winter weather is available online or from the Missouri State FSA office at (573) 876-0980.

For more information on Missouri Department of Agriculture programs, visit mda.mo.gov.