USDA aids Kansas farmers facing drought

By Scout Nelson

Kansas agriculture is currently facing significant challenges due to a severe drought affecting the region. In response, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering crucial support to help farmers and livestock producers mitigate the impacts through various assistance programs.

One key initiative available is the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), which compensates livestock producers for grazing losses due to drought conditions. Eligible participants must demonstrate that they have suffered a grazing loss and comply with reporting requirements to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Updates on eligible counties are provided weekly by the FSA.

Additionally, the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides compensation for additional costs incurred, such as hauling water and feeding livestock due to drought. Applications for this assistance must be submitted by January 30, 2025, for losses incurred in the 2024 calendar year.

Orchardists and nursery tree growers can also benefit from the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which offers cost-share assistance for replanting and rehabilitating eligible plants damaged by drought.

Dennis McKinney, the State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas, emphasizes the importance of timely reporting of damages to access these programs effectively. He advises farmers to prepare necessary documentation such as farm records and evidence of damage to streamline the assistance process.

Moreover, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports long-term resiliency strategies through conservation planning. These practices are designed to improve soil health and water conservation, thus enhancing the ability of farms to withstand future drought conditions.

Farmers are encouraged to visit their local USDA Service Center to explore the full range of recovery and conservation options available. This proactive approach not only aids in immediate recovery but also in building long-term sustainability for their agricultural operations in the face of changing climatic conditions.

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