Friends and neighbors,
I know there is a lot happening right now, but I wanted to remind everyone that it is critical for farmers to report crop losses to their local USDA Farm Service Agent as soon as possible. Doing so is essential to meet the threshold for a disaster designation – and to receive the emergency aid that comes with that designation.
The US Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to designate counties as disaster areas, which would make emergency loans available to farmers in those regions. For a county to be considered for disaster status, it must record a 30% loss of at least one crop. By reporting your losses quickly, you play a crucial role in helping your county meet this threshold and potentially qualify for much-needed support.
- Find your local FSA here: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Minnesota/index
- Department of Agriculture flood resources: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/flood-resources
If you have any questions, please let me know.