Farmers impacted by severe weather in Illinois may be eligible to receive help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers that experienced livestock deaths due to weather conditions may qualify for help from the Livestock Indemnity Program. Farmers have to submit documentation of loss due to an eligible adverse weather event and submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency before March 3, 2025.

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program assists farmers who have experienced eligible feed and grazing losses. Farmers are required to submit a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office before January 30, 2025.

Orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for cost-share assistance through the Tree Assistance Program in connection with the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program which covers crops. Farmers must file an application within 90 days of the loss of their trees or crops.

“Once you are able to evaluate the impact on your operation, be sure to contact your local FSA county office to timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses,” says Scott Halpin, State Executive Director for FSA in Illinois. “To expedite FSA disaster assistance, you will likely need to provide documents, such as farm records, herd inventory, receipts and pictures of damages or losses.”

There are also farm loans available including emergency loans for production and physical losses. The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program provides low-interest loans to replace or repair facilities.

Farmers with Federal Crop Insurance should report crop damage to their local FSA office within 72 hours and should follow up in writing within 15 days.

The Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program help landowners restore fencing and damaged farmlands and remove debris from feeding areas and water supplies.

The Emergency Watershed Protection program helps local government sponsors with immediate hazards such as:

• Debris-clogged waterways
• Unstable streambanks
• Severe erosion
• Wind-borne debris removal

A formal request for assistance must be submitted within 60 days of the natural disaster.

Source - https://www.wifr.com