The U.S. Department of Agriculture is stepping up to assist communities and farmers hit by the massive storm system that swept across the midsection of the U.S. over the weekend.

There may be more casualties identified in areas not fully investigated after a deadly series of tornadoes swept across a band of states from the south into the Midwest. Initial reports said at least 40 are known dead after the storms. Strong winds even caused a dust storm to develop from Texas that was carried well to the north into Michigan.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA is offering "any assistance it can for communities and agricultural producers" hit by the devastating storms. "President [Donald] Trump has ordered his administration to assist the state and local efforts in any way we can," said Rollins.

The department is offering guidance on everything from food safety for those who lost power, to specific farm operations, including those with government crop insurance coverage, and those who don't have that coverage.

The USDA said livestock and perennial crop producers typically have limited weather-related loss options and they should review their losses as soon as possible with a local USDA Farm Service Agency.

Source - https://www.newsmax.com