By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing extensive disaster assistance to agricultural producers in New Mexico affected by recent flooding and wildfires. Multiple programs are available to help with recovery and rebuilding.
“USDA has a suite of programs to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from disasters,” said Farm Production and Conservation Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton. “I encourage impacted producers to contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.”
Livestock producers who experience deaths beyond normal mortality or sell injured animals at a reduced price may qualify for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Notice of loss must be filed with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) by March 2, 2026, for 2025 losses. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) offer compensation for feed and grazing losses, with the same deadline.
The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) provides cost-share funding to replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes, or vines. Applications are due within 90 days of the disaster or when damage becomes evident.
“Impacted producers should timely report all crop, livestock and farm infrastructure damages and losses to their local FSA county office as soon as they can do so safely,” said Zach Riley, FSA State Executive Director.
FSA also offers low-interest emergency loans and farm storage facility loans to replace damaged equipment, restore infrastructure, and cover essential expenses. Producers with Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage or Federal Crop Insurance should promptly report damages.
Conservation help includes the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to remove debris, repair farmland and forests, and restore fencing.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program for streambank stabilization and watershed repairs.
NRCS State Conservationist J. Xavier Montoya emphasized one-on-one support: “Our staff will work with landowners to assess damages and develop effective recovery plans.”
These combined programs aim to speed recovery and strengthen long-term resilience for New Mexico’s agricultural operations.
Photo Credit:usda
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