By Jamie Martin
The USDA is reminding Washington agricultural producers that several support programs are available to help operations recover from drought and wildfire damage. The assistance covers livestock, crops, farmland, infrastructure, and conservation recovery efforts.
Farmers and ranchers experiencing grazing losses due to drought may qualify for livestock-related disaster programs. Additional assistance is available for livestock deaths, reduced-value sales, feed shortages, and transportation costs caused by extreme weather 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.”
The agency also provides support for commercial beekeepers dealing with feed losses and orchard or nursery operators needing to replace or rehabilitate damaged trees, bushes, and vines.
To receive assistance, producers should document losses carefully and contact their local USDA office. Important records may include production data, grazing reports, herd inventories, receipts, and photographs of damage.
“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 Pat Swanson, Administrator of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA). “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.”
Low-interest emergency loans remain available in eligible disaster-designated counties. These funds can help producers purchase replacement livestock, seed, feed, equipment, and other essential inputs while supporting recovery efforts.
Producers with crop insurance coverage or disaster assistance protection should report losses within required deadlines to maintain eligibility. Early reporting can help speed up the claims and recovery process.
USDA conservation initiatives can also help restore damaged agricultural land. Programs support debris removal, fence repairs, emergency water systems, irrigation improvements, and forest restoration projects. Special provisions may allow grazing or haying on Conservation Reserve Program acres when drought conditions qualify.
In addition, USDA conservation specialists work directly with landowners to improve soil health, increase water efficiency, and reduce future drought-related risks. Community-based watershed protection programs are also available to address environmental damage caused by natural disasters.
Producers can find more information about USDA disaster assistance programs, including resources for drought and wildfire recovery, by visiting Farmers.gov.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National