Hurricane Helene caused a “one in 1,000 years” rainfall event, bringing our rivers to carry so much water that communities were devastated by flooding and destroyed infrastructure, and the loss of neighbors and friends. The recovery will be a long haul. ARCD stands by our agricultural community and moving ahead will do everything we can to support immediate assistance and long term resiliency and recovery. This is a dynamic page of resources as the recovery situation unfolds.
Top 3 priorities before you begin clean up:
1. Cameras Before Chainsaws
Document damage before clean up. Your phone will take dated photographs, videos. Get someone else to also take photos as well for third-party verification (non-family if possible).
2. Make Your List and Check it Twice
(1) Alongside photographs, take extensive notes about the damage.
(2) Start making a list of what you will need to rebuild and repurchase for the farm.
(3) Keep a rough record of the hours spent on clean up.
(4) If you buy anything, keep receipts, however it is ideal to call FSA first and get pre-authorization.
3. Contact FSA ASAP
Use that list to learn what programs you may be eligible for by filling out the USDA Disaster Recovery tool.
As soon as you have your list make every effort to report farm damage to your local USDA Service Center to request assistance. You are seeking pre-authorization to maximize your chances of getting cost-share reimbursements for repairs. If no one answers, leave a voicemail describing the damage and the repairs needed. Be prepared to leave your name and description of damage (include both emergency and long-term) and a list of repairs you are requesting funding for.
Relief & Recovery Resources List
USDA Disaster/Insurance Programs
- USDA Disaster Assistance Programs main webpage
- USDA Disaster Assistance At A Glance graphic of programs
- For each of these insurance programs, RAFI has translated them into laymens’ terms and what they might mean for your average small scale farm.
- These are cost-share programs that pay 75% of the cost and landowners pay the remaining 25%. If you are beginning or socially-disadvantaged farmer category you may quality to get 90% of costs covered. You apply for these programs through your local FSA office.
- NRCS Emergency Watershed Program – ask your elected officials if your Town or City can apply for help in recovering infrastructure for the municipality and landowners, such as bridges and streambanks.
- Farmers.gov USDA Hurricane Recovery Resources and specific check lists for farms in the wake of a flood.
Other National programs:
- Small Business Administration Disaster Relief Programs – TN is not currently eligible yet, so stay turned
State Information:
TEMA Updates on public health and emergency response active in the counties affected.
TEAP cost-share program deadlines are extended for producers applying from flood areas, from October until December!
TN Department of Agriculture’s response daily briefing, such as where to donate hay and livestock feed.
County Agriculture Resources
These will be added to as the situation unfolds. In the meantime, your local county FSA office is your contact for reporting farm disaster and recovery needs.
Mental Health and Stress Support:
- 1-800-985-5990 – The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- 1-800-FARM-AID – For farm families under extreme stress who need a sympathetic ear, someone to listen and provide relief from the anxiety and desperation they may be experiencing, call Farm Aid.