By Blake Jackson
Recent severe weather, including tornadoes, has significantly damaged agricultural operations in Kentucky. The USDA offers various assistance programs to help farmers and livestock producers recover.
For livestock losses exceeding normal rates, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) may provide support. Producers must document losses and apply to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 2, 2026, for 2025 losses.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) assists with feed and grazing losses, with the same application deadline.
Orchardists and nursery tree growers can seek cost-share aid through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) for replanting or rehabilitating trees, bushes, or vines. TAP complements other crop insurance.
“Impacted producers should timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses to their local FSA county office as soon as possible,” said Clark Sturgeon, Deputy State Executive Director for FSA in Kentucky.
“As you evaluate your operation, take time to gather important documents you will need to get assistance, including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.”
FSA also provides farm loans, including operating and emergency loans, for those unable to obtain commercial financing. Emergency loans are available in designated disaster counties.
Loan servicing options are also available for borrowers facing payment difficulties due to circumstances beyond their control. The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) aids producers in building or repairing storage facilities.
For risk management, producers with Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage must report crop damage to FSA within 15 days (72 hours for hand-harvested crops).
Those with Federal Crop Insurance should notify their crop insurance agent within 72 hours and follow up in writing within 15 days. "Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are offered to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future," says Roddric Bell, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Director.
Conservation programs like FSA's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) help restore fencing, damaged farmland or forests, and remove debris.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical assistance and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) supports conservation practices.
"The Natural Resources Conservation Service can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery and resiliency efforts," notes Eric Allness, NRCS State Conservationist in Kentucky.
The NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program assists local government sponsors with watershed recovery.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy