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Disaster Recovery Resources for Farmers

Farmers: If you need to speak with someone immediately, please call our Farmer Hotline toll-free 866.586.6746. The hotline is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Were you impacted by Hurricane Ida or Tropical Storm Fred? Find disaster recovery resources specific to Hurricane Ida here and Tropical Storm Fred here


Immediate Relief

Before worrying about the farm, make sure that you and your family are safe and taken care of. If you are in any immediate danger, call 911. Once your family is safe, recovery can begin. RAFI-USA focuses on long-term recovery. For more immediate help, visit the links below.


After a Disaster


Documenting Disaster Losses

After a disaster, remember this rule: camera first, chainsaw second.

Disaster programs will only assist with documented damage. Disaster assistance programs often take place years after the disaster, so you should document losses even if programs are not immediately available.

Federal programs sometimes pay for unexpected expenses.  For instance, the Emergency Conservation Program can cover your use of chainsaws and front-end loaders in recovery efforts, but only if it is pre-authorized and well-documented.

The first step is to check in with your local FSA office to talk through possible programs.

Learn more in this “Documenting Disaster Losses” document prepared by RAFI-USA.


Assistance for Farmers after a Disaster

  • Check to see if your county has been declared or designated a disaster. Many government programs only provide assistance after federally declared or designated disasters. Check the FEMA website to find out if your area qualifies.
  • Different agencies provide assistance for different types of damage.Take a look at the USDA’s Disaster Assistance Programs At a Glance to see which agencies administer disaster assistance programs.
  • View all USDA press releases for additional information and updates Disaster Assistance Deadlines
  • Risk Management Agency: Information on crop insurance. Most federal farm disaster assistance programs require prior participation in RMA crop insurance programs or non-insured crop disaster assistance programs.


Assistance for Households after a Disaster

Information for Poultry and Livestock Growers


Additional Resources for Disaster Recovery


Drought Resources

The US Drought Monitor provides a map of current drought conditions across the country, updated every Tuesday.

Livestock producers who have suffered a loss in grazed forage due to drought may be eligible for the Livestock Forage Program.


Flood Maps

Flood Inundation Mapping and Alert Network (FIMAN) –map of current water elevation levels showing where the water is still high or where there is still a risk of flooding

USGS Flood Information and USGS WaterWatch – showing current conditions

 

Disaster-specific Resources

Hurricanes Florence and Michael

Hurricane Ida

For more information on disasters, visit the following RAFI-USA blog posts

Check out the new issue of our magazine, Living Roots!READ