If you're feeling the squeeze from drought, freeze, or hurricane season, this episode is your essential guide to unlocking assistance tips. Discover how the USDA Farm Services Agency assesses and declares disasters, and why timely reporting from producers is crucial for accessing relief programs before the crisis hits. Marcelo Wallau sits down with Marcinda Kessler, executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to break down the complex process of disaster declarations — from the drought monitor to local county reports, and how these trigger funding that can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy. You’ll learn specific strategies for navigating both emergency disaster relief loans and non-insurable crop assistance, including how to maximize benefits without unnecessary delays.

For more information:

 General Farmers.gov site: https://www.farmers.gov/

 How to find your local FSA office: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

 How to sign-up for USDA updates and our monthly newsletter: farmers.gov/subscribe

 USDA FSA Livestock Forage Disaster Program: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/disaster-recovery/livestock-forage-disaster-program-lfp

 FSA program factsheets: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/tools/informational/fact-sheets

 Doing business online with FSA: https://www.farmers.gov/account