The USDA reminds ranchers, farmers and rural communities that staff in their regional, state and county offices are prepared with various program flexibilities for those affected by the recent winter storms.
“USDA is committed to getting help to producers and rural Americans impacted by the severe weather in many parts of the country. As severe weather and natural disasters continue to threaten the livelihoods of thousands of our farming families, we want you and your communities to know that USDA stands with you,” said Kevin Shea, acting secretary of Agriculture. “Visit farmers.gov or your local USDA Service Center to inquire about assistance.”
Even before the disaster struck, USDA provided tools for producers to manage their risk through the Federal Crop Insurance Program and for crops that do not have crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). This risk protection includes crop production loss and tree loss for certain crop insurance products. It is recommended that producers reach out to their crop insurance agent or local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for more information.
Producers who signed up for Federal Crop Insurance or NAP who suffer losses are asked to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent or local FSA office within 72 hours of damage discovery and follow up in writing within 15 days.
Livestock and perennial crop producers have several options for disaster programs available. The Livestock Indemnity Program and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-Raised Fish Program reimburse producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry and other animals killed or severely injured by a natural disaster or loss of feed.
USDA reminds producers that it’s critical to keep accurate records to document the losses and illnesses following this devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking photos or videos of any losses. Other documentation options include purchase records, production records, vaccination records, bank or other loan documents and third-party certification.
USDA can also provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources.
FSA also has a variety of loans available, including emergency loans triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs.
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) veterinarians are ready to work alongside partners to conduct on-site assessments to document affected producers’ needs. More information about protecting livestock is available on APHIS’ protecting livestock during a disaster page.
APHIS has additional staff on standby to provide support should the situation escalate in severity or the number of affected livestock operations increase. Should it be necessary, APHIS has the expertise to assist with carcass removal and disposal as well.
For more information about APHIS’ response efforts, you can follow their Twitter page @USDA_APHIS.
Visit USDA’s disaster resources available website to learn more about USDA disaster preparedness and response. For more information on USDA disaster assistance programs, contact your local USDA service center. — USDA
