Following natural disasters in the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is encouraging farmers who have been hit by the devastating weather to make use of emergency funds.
According to the USDA, FSA administrator Val Dolcini urged farmers to take the "first step...in the recovery process" by contacting their local FSA office and reading agency literature. This will help producers identify appropriate disaster programs to help them rebound after damaging twisters, floods and fires, Dolcini said.
At present, the FSA has at least five initiatives to counteract severe weather damage, including assistance for impacted livestock, bee and fish farmers, and even a program for the uninsured. Administrator for the USDA's Risk Management Agency William Murphy stated that farmers who hold government-run crop insurance should inform their insurers immediately upon finding flood damage.
As farmers receive government aid to get back on their feet after storms, floods or fires, they may look to replace damaged equipment by purchasing from providers such as John Deere. In addition, as this year's production is down because of weather-related events, crop prices may go up, which may mean that farmers will have more money to reinvest in machinery from John Deere dealers.
Growers may be eligible for emergency relief from FSA
Farmers can purchase new equipment with revenue from increased crop prices.