By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing disaster assistance to Kansas farmers and ranchers affected by recent wildfires, offering support to help recover losses related to crops, livestock, land, and infrastructure. These programs aim to strengthen recovery efforts across impacted agricultural operations.
“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.”
Several programs are available to help producers manage losses. The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) supports farmers who experience livestock deaths or are forced to sell animals at reduced prices. To participate in the LIP, producers must provide acceptable documentation of livestock losses or proof of reduced sales caused by an eligible weather event. They must also submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 1, 2027, for losses occurring in the 2026 calendar year.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) helps cover feed and grazing losses. For the ELAP program, producers must submit both a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office by March 1, 2027, for losses occurring in the 2026 calendar year.
In addition, the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) supports orchard and nursery growers in replanting damaged trees and plants. For the TAP, producers must submit an application within 90 days of the disaster event or from the date the loss of trees, bushes, or vines becomes evident.
“Once producers are safely able to determine and report their losses or damages, our local Farm Service Agency staff can help producers with program applications related to wildfire recovery,” said David Schemm, State Executive Director for FSA in Kansas. “As you evaluate losses on your operation, take time to gather important documents you may need to apply for assistance including farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses. FSA staff will do their best to work with the loss documentation records you have available.”
USDA also provides farm loans and loan servicing options for producers who cannot access commercial credit. These loans can help replace equipment, purchase inputs, and support daily expenses.
Risk management tools such as crop insurance and noninsured crop coverage also help farmers manage losses.
“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. “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 programs also support recovery by helping remove debris, repair fences, and restore land. Emergency grazing options are available to provide feed support.
“At USDA, we serve as a partner to help landowners with their resiliency and recovery efforts,” said Chad Volkman. “Our staff will work one-on-one with landowners to make assessments of the damages and develop methods that focus on effective recovery of the land.”
These programs aim to help farmers rebuild operations and continue production after wildfire damage.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Government & Policy, Livestock