Deadline approaching for USDA relief program

Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the deadline for commodity and specialty crop producers to apply for the Emergency Relief Program for 2022 natural disaster losses is Aug. 14. USDA's Farm Service Agency began accepting ERP 2022 applications in October 2023.

"If natural disasters impacted your farm or ranch in 2022, there's still time to submit your application for Emergency Relief Program assistance," said Tim Divis, FSA acting state executive director for Nebraska. "Don't delay. Gather up your documents and contact your local FSA office to complete the application process."

Through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (P.L. 117-328) Congress allocated $3.2 billion in funding to cover an estimated $10 billion in uncovered crop losses.

ERP 2022 covers losses to crops, trees, bushes and vines due to qualifying calendar year 2022 natural disaster events including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought and related conditions.