By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering several disaster assistance programs to help Illinois farmers and ranchers recover from recent severe weather events and tornadoes. The support aims to reduce financial stress and help producers restore normal farm operations.
Richard Fordyce, Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary, emphasized the importance of these programs, stating, “USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters. 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.”
Farmers who experienced livestock deaths beyond normal levels or were forced to sell injured animals at reduced prices may qualify for assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) may also help cover losses related to feed, grazing, honeybee colonies, hives, and farm-raised fish.
In addition, orchard owners and nursery tree growers may receive support through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which helps cover the cost of replanting or restoring damaged trees, bushes, and vines.
William Graff, State Executive Director for FSA in Illinois, encouraged producers to act quickly and said, “Impacted producers should timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses to their local FSA county office as soon as possible. As you evaluate your operation, take time to gather important documents you may need to get assistance, including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.”
USDA also provides direct and guaranteed farm loans, including emergency loans for eligible producers who cannot obtain commercial financing. These funds can be used to replace damaged property, purchase livestock, feed, equipment, seed, and cover other farm-related expenses.
Producers with Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage or Federal Crop Insurance should promptly report crop damage to receive available benefits.
Mitchell Zipprich, Director of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Regional Office that covers Illinois, highlighted the value of risk management tools, saying, “Crop insurance and other USDA risk management options are offered to help producers manage risk because we never know what nature has in store for the future. Disasters can be trying for producers, and they should stay in close contact with their crop insurance agent. Producers can be assured that the Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”
Conservation assistance is also available through programs that help restore farmland, forests, and damaged conservation structures. Technical support is provided through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Tammy Willis, NRCS State Conservationist in Illinois, said, “The Natural Resources Conservation Service can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery and resiliency efforts. Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop approaches that focus on effective recovery of the land.”
Through these programs, USDA aims to help affected farmers rebuild, recover, and strengthen their operations after severe weather disasters.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy