By Blake Jackson
Farmers and livestock producers across Missouri affected by recent flooding can receive technical and financial support through multiple disaster assistance programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The agency is encouraging producers to report losses quickly and explore available recovery resources.
“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.”
Livestock producers experiencing deaths beyond normal levels or forced to sell injured animals at reduced prices may qualify for assistance through the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Those seeking compensation must submit required documentation and file a notice of loss with the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 1, 2027.
Additional support is available through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), which helps cover eligible feed losses, livestock grazing losses, honeybee colony damage, and farm-raised fish losses.
Orchardists and nursery tree growers may also receive cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to restore qualifying trees, bushes, and vines.
“Impacted producers should timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses to their local FSA county office as soon as possible,” said Ronnie Russell, State Executive Director for FSA in Missouri.
“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.”
The USDA also offers direct and guaranteed farm loans, including low-interest emergency loans for eligible producers in designated disaster areas. Crop producers should promptly report losses to their local FSA office or crop insurance provider to meet program deadlines.
“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,” said Collin Olsen, Director of USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) Regional Office that covers Missouri.
“The Approved Insurance Providers, loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well-trained in handling these types of events.”
In addition, USDA conservation programs provide financial and technical assistance to restore damaged farmland, forests, and conservation infrastructure following flood-related damage.
“The Natural Resources Conservation Service can be a very valuable partner to help landowners with their recovery and resiliency efforts,” said Nate Goodrich, NRCS State Conservationist in Missouri. “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.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jj-gouin
Categories: Missouri, Government & Policy, Weather