By Scout Nelson
Agricultural operations in Nebraska have faced significant losses due to recent wildfires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides technical and financial support to help farmers and ranchers recover from crop, livestock, land, and infrastructure damage.
“USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. “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.”
Producers experiencing livestock deaths above normal mortality or selling injured livestock at reduced prices may qualify for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Similarly, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provide compensation for feed, grazing, and transport losses. Producers must submit notices of loss to their local FSA office by March 1, 2027, for 2026 calendar year losses.
FSA also provides direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency loans, to help replace essential property, purchase livestock or equipment, cover living expenses, or refinance farm debt. The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) offers low-interest loans for building, repairing, or upgrading storage facilities.
Producers with Federal Crop Insurance should report damage within 72 hours and follow up in writing within 15 days. “Disasters can be trying for producers, and they should stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent,” said Collin Olsen, Deputy Director of USDA’s Risk Management Agency.
Conservation support includes emergency and non-emergency haying and grazing on CRP acres, and the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) assists with debris removal and fence repair. NRCS provides technical guidance and financial support through programs like EQIP and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) to restore land and watersheds.
“At USDA, we serve as a partner to help landowners with their resiliency and recovery efforts,” said James Huntwork, Acting NRCS State Conservationist in Nebraska. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop methods that focus on effective recovery of the land.”
Producers and community sponsors should contact their local USDA Service Center or NRCS office for eligibility, guidance, and application details. More information is available at USDA Nebraska Disaster Assistance.
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Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy