South West Farm Press Logo

Accurate records documenting loss are critical.

February 26, 2021

3 Min Read
swfp-shelley-huguley-livestock-storm-21.jpg
Assistance is available for storm losses. Shelley E. Huguley

Most of the nation faced unusually cold weather, as a winter storm moved coast-to-coast. Winter storms create significant challenges and often result in catastrophic loss for agricultural producers, especially for those raising livestock, row crops and vulnerable crops like citrus. 

Despite every attempt to mitigate risk, farm and ranch operations may suffer losses. USDA offers several programs to help with recovery. 

Risk Management 

For producers who have risk protection through Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), report crop damage to your crop insurance agent or the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. 

Those with crop insurance, need to contact their agency within 72 hours of discovering damage and be sure to follow up in writing within 15 days. Those with NAP coverage, file a Notice of Loss (also called Form CCC-576) within 15 days of loss becoming apparent, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be reported within 72 hours. 

Disaster Assistance 

USDA also offers disaster assistance programs, which are especially important to livestock, fruit and vegetable, specialty and perennial crop producers who have fewer risk management options

First, the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybee and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) reimburses producers for a portion of the value of livestock, poultry and other animals that died as a result of a qualifying natural disaster event– like these winter storms – or for loss of grazing acres, feed and forage. 

Next, the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides cost share assistance to rehabilitate and replant tree, vines or shrubs loss experienced by orchards and nurseries. This complements NAP or crop insurance coverage, which covers the crop but not the plants or trees in all cases. 

For LIP and ELAP, producers will need to file a Notice of Loss for livestock and grazing or feed losses within 30 days and honeybee losses within 15 days. For TAP, file a program application within 90 days. 

Documentation 

It’s critical to keep accurate records to document all losses following this devastating cold weather event. Livestock producers are advised to document beginning livestock numbers by taking time and date-stamped video or pictures prior to after the loss. 

Other common documentation options include: 

  • Purchase records 

  • Production records 

  • Vaccination records 

  • Bank or other loan documents 

  • Third-party certification 

Other Programs 

The Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist landowners and forest stewards with financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland or forests. 

Additionally, FSA offers a variety of loans available including emergency loans that are triggered by disaster declarations and operating loans that can assist producers with credit needs.  These loans can be used to replace essential property, purchase inputs like livestock, equipment, feed and seed, or refinance farm-related debts, and other needs. 

Meanwhile, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes. 

Additional Resources 

Additional details – including payment calculations – can be found on our NAP, ELAP, LIP, and TAP fact sheets. On farmers.gov, the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool can help you determine program or loan options. 

While we never want to have to implement disaster programs, we are here to help. To file a Notice of Loss or to ask questions about available programs, contact your local USDA Service Center. All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including those that restrict in-person visits or require appointments because of the pandemic. 

Source: USDA, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

Read more about:

Citrus
Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like