Farmers: Crop Disaster Resources

The historic rainfall events coupled with severe cold and snow have had devastating impacts on Michigan’s farming and agricultural communities. Wet conditions are preventing farmers from getting into the fields and from planting for the growing season. In parts of the state, farmers are now so many weeks behind schedule that they are nearly out of time and options for this year.

As part of the commitment to our farmers who feed our families, the State of Michigan is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture as well as Michigan State University Extension to make as many resources available to farmers as possible. A quick list of possible resources is available below. This list isn’t comprehensive and will be updated as more information and resources are identified.

MDARD is encouraging farmers to reach out to their area USDA and Michigan State University Extension experts for guidance during this difficult time.

State of Michigan Resources

NEW! Governor Whitmer's Request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Mid-Michigan Counties Impacted by May Floods Approved by President Trump (7/9/20)

Governor Whitmer Requests USDA Disaster Designation for Michigan Counties Impacted by Severe Weather (6/30/20) 

Governor Whitmer Applauds USDA Disaster Designation for Michigan Counties (11/19/19)

Governor Whitmer Applauds USDA for Providing Relief for Michigan Farmers (6/20/19)

Governor Whitmer Send Letter to USDA Requesting Assistance for Michigan Farmers (6/19/19)

Michigan State University Extension Resources

Delayed Planting Resources

Agriculture Expert Locator

Managing Farm Stress Resource Center

Corn and Soybeans as Cover Crops Following Prevented Planting

USDA / Federal Resources

Programs available from USDA

Nearest USDA offices

Farmers and Ranchers in Michigan Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (5/26/20)

FSA Makes Changes to Farm Loan, Disaster, Conservation and Safety Net Programs to Make it Easier for Customers to Conduct Business (3/26/20)

USDA Opens Signup March 23, 2020 for Added Causes of Loss Under WHIP+ and Announces Disaster Assistance for Sugar Beet Producers (2/28/20)

USDA Opens 2020 Enrollment for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs (10/15/19)

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance for Michigan Farmers Hurt by 2018, 2019 Disasters (9/18/19)

Federal Agriculture Disaster Declarations and Resources

Disaster Declaration Maps

Disaster Designation Areas for Michigan and Contiguous States (10/31/19)

Disaster Designation for Counties in Ohio and Adjacent States, including Hillsdale County in Michigan (7/31/19)

Michigan Farm Service Agency

Disaster Recovery Resources

Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool 

USDA Farm Service Agency News Releases

U.S. Small Business Administration Resources

SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in 24 Michigan Counties Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration