Nebraska winter weather farm aid - USDA FSA offers relief programs

By Scout Nelson

The U.S.  Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Nebraska is reaching out to state producers impacted by recent severe winter weather. Tim Divis, the acting state executive director for Nebraska FSA, acknowledges the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers due to extreme cold conditions. He urges those affected to contact their local FSA county office for assistance. 

The FSA offers several disaster assistance programs for those experiencing losses. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) may provide aid to producers with livestock deaths due to winter storms. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) could compensate for extraordinary livestock and honeybee feed needs caused by the severe weather.  

For both LIP and ELAP, it's crucial for producers to file a notice of loss and an application for assistance, with proper documentation of livestock losses being essential.  This documentation can include time and date-stamped pictures of losses, purchase and production records, vaccination records, and other relevant documents. 

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) can offer financial and technical support to restore damaged fences and clear snow from feeding areas and water supplies. Producers are advised to maintain daily logs of snow removal and other mitigation efforts, as these records could be crucial for ECP assistance. 

Orchardists and nursery tree growers suffering losses might be eligible for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which provides cost-share assistance for replanting or rehabilitating eligible trees, bushes, or vines.  Applications for TAP must be filed within 90 days of the disaster event or when the loss becomes apparent. 

Farmers and ranchers in Nebraska facing the aftermath of severe winter weather are encouraged to explore these USDA FSA programs and reach out to their local FSA county offices for guidance on application procedures and documentation requirements.  

Photo Credit - usda