Montgomery, AL — The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, in cooperation with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Alabama Department of Emergency Management, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Poultry and Egg Association, USDA Farm Services Agency and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service will host a webinar Friday, May 20, from 10 a.m. until noon for poultry and other farmers impacted by recent tornadoes. The webinar is designed to update producers on recovery resources that may be available to them.
After seeing the damage first-hand that these tornados caused all across the state, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan is compelled to find a way to help these storm victims. “It is difficult to describe with words the complete devastation brought about by these storms,” McMillan said. “There are so many people that literally lost everything. Not only were their homes demolished, their poultry houses were completely destroyed, therefore, they also lost their primary source of income.”
Commissioner McMillan approached ACES to assist him in providing a forum for farmers so they could be made aware of resources that are available to them. Agencies will outline what assistance and programs they offer and farmers will have the opportunity to ask questions about available resources, claims filing and other issues.
Poultry producers and other farmers will be able to watch the webinar from more than 40 Extension sites. For more information on the nearest viewing site, contact the county Extension office. A complete listing can be found at Aces.edu/counties. To watch the webcast via computer, connect to Aces.edu/go/155 using your web browser.
The webcast will be accessible at 9:45 a.m. Participants may not hear anything until the program begins at 10 a.m. For more information about the webcast contact Paul Brown at 334/844-5546 or email pbrown@aces.edu.