USDA Drought Programs and Assistance
Resources:
Find your local Farm Service Agency: Map of State FSA Offices
FSA Emergency Disaster Designation and Declaration Process Overview Factsheet
FSA Disaster Designated Counties Map (PDF)
ERS Farm and Food Impacts
Agricultural Weather and Drought Updates (last updated 01/09/13)
NASS Weekly Crop Progress and Condition Reports
Cooperative Extension Drought Resources
U.S. Drought Monitor
Managing Drought Risk on the Ranch
Drought Ready Communities
FSA Hay Net
Internet-based service allowing farmers and ranchers to share 'Need Hay' ads and 'Have Hay' ads online.
NIFA Disaster Resilience for Rural Communities
The goal of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Disaster Resilience for Rural Communities grant program is to advance basic research in engineering and in the social, behavioral, and economic sciences to enhance disaster resilience in rural communities.
FSA Emergency Farm Loans
USDA designated natural disaster areas qualify for low-interest emergency loans. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
FSA Disaster Debt-Set-Aside Program Factsheet
Assistance for producers with existing USDA loans. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
FSA Guaranteed Farm Loan Program (PDF)
Guaranteed farm loans may be used to construct or repair buildings and fixtures, purchase farmland, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, fuel, insurance, and refinance debt. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
Currently insured: RMA Crop insurance basics | RMA Frequently asked questions
FSA Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
Production loss coverage for crops when federal crop insurance is not available. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
FSA Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)
Funding and technical assistance for farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
FSA Emergency Haying and Grazing
Emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
Modification of current EQIP contracts to allow conservation activities to address drought conditions.
FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Assistance Program (LFP) Factsheet | FSA LFP Program Eligibility Maps
Provides cash payments to eligible producers who suffered grazing losses because of drought. Contact local FSA office for additional information.
NRCS Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
USDA is authorizing haying and grazing of WRP easement areas in drought-affected areas where such haying and grazing is consistent with conservation of wildlife habitat and wetlands.
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) (PDF)
Helping communities address watershed impairments that pose imminent threats to lives and property. Contact local NRCS office for additional information.