By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Rural Finance Authority (RFA) has announced an expansion in the eligibility for its Disaster Recovery Loan Program. This adjustment now includes losses dating back to April 1, 2024, extending through February 24, 2026. This initiative aims to support Minnesota farmers who have experienced livestock losses due to avian Metapneumovirus (aMPV), highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and H5N1 flu virus.
Originally, the RFA Board recognized an emergency with these diseases, making losses from February 2025 eligible for support. This recent extension allows for a broader timeframe, acknowledging the ongoing impact these diseases have on the state’s agriculture.
Avian Metapneumovirus is known for causing respiratory issues in poultry, while HPAI is recognized as a deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds. The H5N1 virus, though primarily a concern in poultry, has also been known to infect dairy cows and other livestock, albeit less fatally.
The Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides essential financial assistance to farmers encountering hardships due to declared disasters or animal disease outbreaks. These loans are crucial for covering expenses that are not addressed by insurance policies. This may include costs related to replacing livestock, making necessary building improvements, or offsetting lost revenue directly linked to these diseases.
Farmers seeking aid through this program are advised to coordinate with local lenders to facilitate the loan procurement process under the guidelines set by the RFA. The aim is to offer quick relief to farmers, helping them recover from their losses while maintaining the viability of their operations.
The Rural Finance Authority continues to stand as a pillar in Minnesota's agricultural community, offering various low-interest loan programs designed to foster farm development and resource management. This recent expansion of the Disaster Recovery Loan Program underscores the state’s commitment to supporting its farmers through challenging times and ensuring the stability of its agricultural sectors.
Photo Credits:minnesota-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle