By Jamie Martin
Drought and wildfire events continue to create significant challenges for agricultural operations, but USDA offers a range of programs to help producers recover and rebuild.
Financial assistance is available for livestock producers who experienced grazing losses, livestock deaths, or unexpected expenses related to feed and water transportation. Support is also available for honeybee producers and other eligible agricultural operations impacted by disaster conditions.
“We know current drought and wildfire conditions are adversely impacting crops, land, water supplies and livestock, creating financial and emotional strain for the farmers and ranchers we serve,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce.
He continued, “USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters. I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.”
Tree growers, orchard owners, and vineyard operators may be eligible for cost-share assistance to replace or restore damaged trees, bushes, and vines. These programs help producers recover while protecting future production capacity.
USDA recommends that producers document damages and report losses quickly. Keeping records such as inventories, receipts, lease agreements, and photos can help support disaster assistance applications.
Emergency and low-interest loan programs are available to assist producers who suffered physical or production losses. Funding may be used to replace equipment, livestock, feed supplies, and other necessities required to continue farm operations.
Crop producers with insurance coverage should notify their insurance providers promptly after discovering damage. Those participating in USDA risk management programs should also follow reporting requirements to maintain eligibility for benefits.
“Once producers are safely able to determine and report their losses or damages, our local Farm Service Agency staff can help producers with program applications related to drought and wildfire recovery,” said Jerry Sonnenberg, State Executive Director for FSA in Colorado.
He added, “As you evaluate losses on your operation, take time to gather important documents you may need to apply for assistance including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses. FSA staff will do their best to work with the loss documentation records you have available.”
Conservation programs provide additional recovery support. Assistance may be available for debris removal, repairing damaged farmland infrastructure, restoring fences, improving water availability for livestock, and rehabilitating forested areas affected by disaster.
“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,” said Collin Olsen, Director of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Regional Office that covers Colorado.
He continued, “Disasters can be trying for producers, and they should stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent. Producers can be assured that the Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”
USDA conservation specialists can also help producers adopt practices that improve soil health and water management. These measures can increase resilience to future drought conditions and help protect farm productivity over the long term.
“At USDA, we serve as a partner to help landowners with their resiliency and recovery efforts,” said Clint Evans, NRCS State Conservationist in Colorado. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop methods that focus on effective recovery of the land.”
Local governments and eligible community organizations may qualify for watershed recovery assistance to address post-disaster environmental concerns, including erosion and debris management.
More USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National