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Natural resources

USDA Offers Assistance to New Mexico Farmers and Ranchers Affected by Flooding and Wildfires

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The recent flooding and wildfires in New Mexico have had a significant impact on the state's agricultural operations. To help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that technical and financial assistance is available. This includes programs such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Additionally, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing. Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The USDA has several programs available to support farmers and ranchers recovering from disasters, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).
  • The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or reduced sales due to an eligible adverse weather event.
  • The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides compensation for feed and grazing losses due to an eligible adverse weather event.
  • Producers may be eligible for the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, or vines.
  • The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans.
  • Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help recover from production and physical losses.
  • The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers crop insurance and other risk management options to help producers manage risk.
  • The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical assistance and conservation programs to help farmers and ranchers recover from natural disasters.

Statistics:

  • The USDA has set March 2, 2026, as the deadline for filing a notice of loss for 2025 calendar year losses under the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
  • Producers must submit a notice of loss to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) within 15 days of the loss becoming apparent, or within 72 hours for hand-harvested crops.
  • The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a variety of direct and guaranteed farm loans, including operating and emergency farm loans, to producers unable to secure commercial financing.
  • Producers in counties with a primary or contiguous disaster designation may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help recover from production and physical losses.

Sources:

  • "USDA Announces Assistance for New Mexico Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Flooding and Wildfires" (USDA News Release)
  • Farm Service Agency (FSA)
  • USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA)
  • USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

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