Sandhill cranes remain a problem for corn growers

Jan 04, 2023

A wildlife group is hoping to help farmers get some reimbursement for crop damage by sandhill cranes.

Roger Schnitzler with the Crane Foundation says the birds have adapted to modern agriculture and have greatly increased in numbers. “They’ve greatly increased from maybe ten in the whole state in the 1940s to maybe 100-thousand cranes in Wisconsin and maybe another 50-70 thousand in our sister state across the lake in Michigan.”

And, he says the large number of cranes is often devastating on newly-planted corn.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.