Blizzard Relief Application Deadline Extended

The deadline for submitting blizzard relief applications has been extended for one week, to April 27, for farmers and ranchers in southeastern Colorado who were devastated by this winter's blizzards. 

“Extending the deadline will allow southeastern Colorado producers more time to apply,” said Alan Foutz, Colorado Farm Bureau president.  “We have also been fielding numerous calls and emails regarding producers who may have Amendement 41 implications.  We are seeking a ruling from the Colorado Attorney General, but in the mean time are encouraging all producers who need assistance to apply.”

The assistance is available through the funds raised as a result of the recent Operation Blizzard Benefit concert.  Disaster assistance will be available for the counties of Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Prowers.  These counties were the original ten that Governor Ritter requested an agricultural disaster declaration in early January. Thus far, more that $680,000 has been raised through in-kind donations of services and feed as well as pledged cash donations. 

The one page application form is available at here on this web site as well as directly from the three sponsoring ag organizations.  In addition, application forms are available through the CSU Cooperative Extension offices in the area.

The following rules apply for assistance through the Operation Blizzard Benefit Relief Fund:

1. Agricultural producers within the counties of Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Lincoln, Otero and Prowers, who have an un-reimbursed loss resulting from the December 2006 blizzards, may qualify for assistance from the Fund.

2. Only un-reimbursed losses (livestock, feed, buildings, fences, equipment, etc.) or un-reimbursed additional expenses incurred (temporary pastures, etc.) will be considered.

3. All losses that meet the above criteria will be considered.  Applications are limited to one per agricultural operation.

4. The final reimbursement decision will be recommended by the Operation Blizzard Benefit Advisory Committee.

5. The agricultural operation must have been active in the blizzard area at the time of the blizzard to qualify.

6.  All applications will be considered, regardless of the the applicant's membership status.

Application forms must be completed and returned by mail or fax by Friday, April 27 to:

Operation Blizzard Benefit Committee
c/o Colorado Farm Bureau Foundation
Attn:  Chris Weadock
9177 E. Mineral Cir
Centennial, CO 80112
303/749-7500
303/749-7703 (FAX)

Donations to Operation Blizzard Benefit and the Colorado Agriculture Disaster Fund are still being collected and it is not too late to contribute. 

UPDATE MARCH 29, 2007
The concert and fundraising efforts for SE Colorado Farmers and Ranchers has been a huge success.

A Concert to Benefit Southeast Colorado
Farmers and Ranchers
affected by the recent blizzard disaster.
MARCH 18, 2007 • 7:30 P.M.