(NAFB.com) – Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) called on the USDA to provide immediate assistance for Wisconsin farmers who were impacted by the sudden closure of Pure Prairie Poultry. The shutdown left the state’s poultry producers staring at crippling financial losses without feed and a processor for the birds. “Hard-working Wisconsin farmers have been left high and dry by the abrupt closure of Pure Prairie Poultry,” says Senator Baldwin. “Our agriculture industry is the beating heart of many of our communities, and, in the face of this dire situation, I’m calling on USDA to do everything they can for these Wisconsin farmers who face financial ruin through no fault of their own.” She also raised concerns for the animal’s well-being and the potential for this closure to exasperate the avian flu outbreak as farmers are resorting to giving away chickens by the tens of thousands. Pure Prairie Poultry filed for bankruptcy in September.