USDA Disaster Assistance Available for Southeast Producers After Winter Storms
Many producers in the Southeast have been impacted over the past few weeks with crippling winter weather, causing significant damage to crops, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced several disaster assistance options designed to help producers recover and rebuild after these severe storms.
USDA Risk Management offers coverage through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Producers are encouraged to report losses to their crop insurance agent or local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office within 72 hours of discovering damage, followed by written documentation within 15 days. Timely reporting is critical to ensure eligibility for available assistance and to speed up the recovery process.
Beyond crop insurance, several additional USDA programs may benefit affected producers. These include the “Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish, the Tree Assistance program for damaged orchards and vineyards, the Emergency conservation program and the emergency forest restoration program for land and forest recovery.” These programs address a wide range of losses, from livestock mortality to damage to orchards, forests, and conservation structures.
The USDA Farm Service Agency also offers financial support for producers impacted by natural disasters. Available assistance includes “Direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing; Low interest emergency loans for producers in designated disaster areas to help recover from production and physical losses; Loan servicing options for borrowers unable to make scheduled payments due to circumstances beyond their control and Loans help producers replace property, livestock, equipment, feed and seed, cover living expenses, refinance farm-related debts and more.”
These loan programs are designed to provide flexibility and relief during challenging times, helping producers stabilize operations and prepare for future seasons. Producers are strongly encouraged to explore all available resources and determine which programs best fit their individual recovery needs.
For more information, producers are encouraged to visit the USDA’s Disaster Resource Center or use the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to identify programs and application steps tailored to their specific situation.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.