By Blake Jackson
Recent severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, has significantly impacted Missouri's agricultural sector. The USDA is offering assistance to help farmers and livestock producers recover.
Producers who have experienced losses can contact their local USDA Service Center to learn about available programs. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) assists with livestock deaths, requiring documentation and a submission to the FSA by March 2, 2026, for 2025 losses.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) helps with feed and grazing losses, with the same FSA application deadline.
Orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) for replanting, complementing 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 P. Jeremy Mosley, Deputy State Executive Director for FSA in Missouri. “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 secure commercial financing. Loan servicing options are available for borrowers facing payment difficulties.
The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) aids in building or repairing storage and affected producers should contact their insurance and USDA Service Center. Producers with NAP coverage must report damage to their FSA office promptly.
“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 Missouri. “The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”
For land recovery, FSA's Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) assist with fencing and land restoration.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical assistance and programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program assists local government sponsors with watershed issues. Sponsors should contact their local NRCS office for details.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy, Weather