From staff reports The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering multiple types of assistance for Oklahoma producers affected by recent wildfires.
Producers should contact their local USDA Farm Service Center to learn about crop, land, infrastructure, livestock loss and damage assistance. Those able to provide notices of loss and death-losses documentation to the FSA by March 3, 2025, may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program will provide compensation for feed, grazing losses and costs associated with transporting feed to livestock. Producers must complete a notice of loss and payment application to their FSA office by Jan. 30, 2025.
Steve Kouplen, State Executive Director for FSA in Oklahoma, emphasized the readiness of local offices to assist producers. Prompt loss reporting with various documentation, such as farm records and photographs, is encouraged to expedite processing.
FSA also offers a several direct and guaranteed farm loans to those unable to secure commercial financing.
Producers who hold federal crop insurance or are enrolled in FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) should report crop damage to their crop insurance agent, or FSA office. For NAP-covered producers, a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) should be submitted within 15 days of incident, except for hand-harvested crops, which should be submitted within 72 hours. Those with insurance should report losses to their a gent within 72 hours and send a writ ten notice within 15 days.
James Bellmon, Director of the Risk Management Agency’s Regional Office, noted the importance of crop insurance and risk management in mitigating losses from natural disasters. Agents and adjusters are prepared to support producers through this recovery.
The Conservation Reserve Program allows for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres outside of primary nesting season, reliving affected producers. Producers who are interested in this program should contact their local FSA office to determine eligibility. The Emergency Conservation Program can assist landowners in removing debris from farmland. Lastly, the Emergency Forest Restoration Program can assist eligible owners of nonindustrial private forestland in removing debris and replacing roads and fences. For more details, call or visit your local FSA office, visit http://farmers.gov or http:// USDA.gov.