Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra has joined efforts to advocate for financial relief for Iowa turkey farmers affected by avian metapneumovirus (aMPV). Alongside other lawmakers, Feenstra addressed a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and the Acting Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Kimberly Graham, urging them to classify aMPV as an adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program.

Since its emergence in 2023, aMPV has caused significant flock losses ranging from 30% to 50% among Iowa's turkey producers. This situation poses risks not only to local farmers but also to the national turkey supply chain. Although the USDA is working on vaccine approvals, farmers currently lack sufficient safety nets against these losses.

Feenstra stated, “Avian metapneumovirus is hurting Iowa’s turkey farmers and leaving turkey operations less profitable and more volatile." He emphasized Iowa's position as the seventh-largest turkey-producing state and highlighted his commitment to supporting local farmers through legislative efforts such as passing the Farm Bill and investing in disease prevention.

The letter sent by Feenstra and his colleagues outlines concerns about financial challenges faced by turkey producers due to aMPV-related disruptions. It stresses that without federal assistance programs or immediate support through measures like those suggested for the Livestock Indemnity Program, many family-owned farms are at risk of closure.

“To mitigate these losses and prevent future outbreaks," the lawmakers urged "the USDA Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA) to consider determining aMPV as an eligible adverse event under the Livestock Indemnity Program."

The full text of their correspondence can be accessed online.