Press Release
☷USDA Assists Farmers Ranchers and Communities Affected by Catastrophic Texas Oklahoma Wildfires
U.S. Department of Agriculture ( By Press Release office)
Mar 09,2024
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The USDA Forest Service has over 200 personnel assisting with wildfire suppression efforts . The agency ' s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency have conducted informational sessions in affected towns to discuss available assistance programs for ranchers , livestock producers , and landowners . Recovery from the fires will likely take several months , and USDA plans to hold more informational sessions in the future . In the event of a natural disaster declaration , USDA offers emergency loan programs to help farmers recover from production and physical losses . The agency also provides tailored programs to assist agricultural sectors in rebuilding their operations after major disasters . Programs available to affected producers include the Livestock Indemnity Program ( LIP ) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock , Honeybees , and Farm - Raised Fish Program ( ELAP ) to help with livestock losses and feed expenses . Livestock producers who suffer grazing losses due to drought or fire on federally managed land may also qualify for assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program . Non - insurable crop producers who experience losses due to natural disasters may be eligible for assistance through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program . Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has instructed the U . S . Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) to help farmers , ranchers , and residents affected by recent wildfires in the Texas panhandle and western Oklahoma . Around 1 . 3 million acres have burned in both states . USDA staff are prepared to provide various assistance programs to those in need . Secretary Vilsack stated that USDA understands the impact of wildfires on homes , communities , and livelihoods . The agency is working with state partners to offer support and aid to those affected . Recovery will be a long process , and USDA will continue to hold informational sessions and provide assistance to impacted farmers and ranchers . If you have Federal Crop Insurance and experience damage , make sure to notify your agent within 72 hours and follow up in writing within 15 days . USDA has made policy adjustments for disaster assistance programs to help farmers affected by wildfires , including covering feed costs and accepting different types of documentation for livestock losses . USDA is also allowing emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program land in certain states to support livestock relocation . Financial resources are available through programs like EQIP to assist with recovery and conservation efforts . Farmers can apply for assistance through the Emergency Conservation Program to repair damaged farmland , and private forest landowners can seek help through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program . The Emergency Watershed Protection Program is available to address threats caused by natural disasters . For more information on USDA disaster assistance programs , contact your local USDA Service Center or crop insurance agent . USDA Rural Development offers programs to help rural communities recover from natural disasters , including resources for repairing homes , businesses , and infrastructure . Learn more about RD ' s support for long - term recovery efforts at their Disaster Assistance webpage . The USDA makes a positive impact on the lives of all Americans every day . Under the Biden - Harris Administration , the USDA is working to improve our food system by focusing on local and regional food production , creating fairer markets for farmers , ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all communities , and supporting farmers and producers in adopting climate - smart practices . They are also investing in rural infrastructure and clean energy , and working to promote diversity and equity within the Department . For more information , visit www . usda . gov . The USDA is an equal opportunity provider , employer , and lender .
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