Drought Assistance Programs and Designations Offered in Nebraska

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

As drought conditions persist in Nebraska, various assistance programs have been activated in multiple counties. These programs, such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program, and Conservation Reserve Program emergency haying and grazing program, are triggered on a county-by-county basis in line with the U.S. Drought Monitor. Producers seeking more information about these programs and their availability locally can reach out to their county FSA office https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=ne&agency=fsa

Furthermore, USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated several Nebraska counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the ongoing drought. This designation initiates the implementation of the FSA Emergency Loan Program and the FSA Disaster Set-Aside Program in the affected counties and contiguous areas. Producers interested in learning about these options are advised to contact their county FSA office to consult with farm loan program staff.

The application period for the Emergency Relief Program Phase Two (ERP 2) and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) has been extended until July 14, 2023. ERP 2 addresses revenue losses from natural disasters in 2020 and 2021, while PARP covers revenue losses in 2020 and fills gaps in previous pandemic assistance programs. Producers who qualified under ERP Phase 1 may also be eligible for ERP Phase 2. To allow producers more time to consider these programs post-planting, the extended deadline has been provided.

For Emergency Relief Program Visit: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-relief/index

These programs require producer certification, with most application information sourced from producers' personal financial records.

It is important for producers to explore the available assistance options and stay informed about the necessary steps to access support.

ERP 2 Producer Information Packet: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/State-Offices/Nebraska/pdfs/ERP%202%20Producer%20Information%20Packet.pdf

PARP Producer Information Packet: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Assets/USDA-FSA-Public/usdafiles/State-Offices/Nebraska/pdfs/PARP%20Producer%20Information%20Packet.pdf