Kansas’ U.S. senators and a member of the state’s congressional delegation are asking the federal government to step in with assistance for farmers and ranchers impacted by recent wildfires.
In a letter sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, along with U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, urged immediate action to support those affected by fires that swept across several Kansas counties.
“We write today to request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture take immediate action to support those affected by the devastating wildfires that recently swept through Kansas,” the delegation wrote.
According to the letter, wildfires burned thousands of acres across Clark, Comanche, Finney, Rawlins, Seward and Stevens counties. The fires destroyed fencing and hay supplies and led to significant livestock losses.
The lawmakers said the damage has placed “extraordinary strain” on farmers, ranchers and rural communities that were already facing economic challenges.
Kansas producers often rely on fencing to manage grazing operations and protect herds, and the loss of hay supplies can create immediate feed shortages. Lawmakers noted that livestock losses and forced sales at reduced prices can have long-term financial consequences for producers.
The delegation pointed to changes made following the 2017 wildfires in Kansas, when Moran worked to secure adjustments to USDA disaster programs. Those changes included removing payment limits for livestock losses and allowing compensation for animals sold at reduced prices due to disaster conditions.
The lawmakers are asking USDA to use existing disaster assistance authorities to provide relief and to ensure programs are implemented in a way that meets the needs of impacted producers.
No timeline for potential federal assistance has been announced.