By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial and technical support to Minnesota agricultural producers impacted by recent severe weather, including tornadoes, floods, hail, and windstorms. Producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and explore available assistance programs.
Livestock producers may qualify for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for deaths or injuries caused by storms. A notice of loss and payment application must be submitted by March 2, 2026. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) covers feed and grazing losses and shares the same deadline.
Tree growers affected by weather events may receive replanting support through the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), which requires applications within 90 days of the disaster.
“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 the FSA State Executive Director.
USDA also provides low-interest emergency loans for production and physical losses and loan servicing options for those struggling with existing USDA debt.
The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) offers loans for rebuilding damaged storage infrastructure. Farmers should also contact USDA if they need new on-farm storage.
Producers with Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage must report crop damage promptly. Crop insurance claims must be filed within 72 hours, followed by written notice in 15 days.
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) assist with land recovery and debris removal. USDA’s EQIP and NRCS offer help with restoring land and improving resilience.
NRCS also runs the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program to help local governments address debris and erosion. Sponsors must request aid within 60 days of the disaster.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-olga-ivanova
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Livestock, Weather