This summer has been extremely dry and hot, with little to no end in sight for the counties of Allegany, Garrett, Washington, and Frederick. Farmers are extremely worried about the D3 (extreme) drought conditions as indicated by the US Drought Monitor (USDM). A drought resulted in devastating crop losses, pasture losses, and water restrictions.
Fortunately, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers relief for local drought-impacted livestock producers through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), the Tree Disaster Assistance Program (TAP), and the Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).
LEP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage crop acreage of native and improved pastureland. The grazing losses must occur on land physically located in a county experiencing a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period. A USDM drought intensity level of D3 at any point during the grazing season triggers producer eligibility for LFP assistance to monthly payments.
ELAP covers losses that are not covered under other disaster assistance programs. It covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition including drought. ELAP provides eligible producers with compensation for feed and grazing losses and transportation costs associated with transporting feed/forage to livestock and livestock to feed. Eligible producers are required to complete a notice of loss and a payment application to their local FSA office no later than January 30, 2025, for 2024 calendar year losses.
Tree Disaster Assistance Program (TAP). If you have trees, bushes, or vines that produce an annual crop for commercial purposes, they can be eligible for assistance. Ornamental, fruit, nut, and Christmas trees are also eligible for TAP. In order to qualify, you must experience a lose greater than 15% of normal mortality.
The Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) also can provide assistance for drought loss. Eligible crops are those commercially produced for which crop insurance is not available in the county. In most cases, a policy must be purchased beforehand. However, if you are a socially disadvantaged producer, you may still be able to qualify for assistance.
If you are a farmer affected by the drought in Garrett County, please contact the FSA Office at 301-501-5857.
