With natural disasters happening more often, knowing where to turn for help is critical—especially for small farmers and ranchers. Thankfully, the USDA offers a tool that simplifies the process of finding the right disaster assistance.
The USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool is designed to help you navigate the options available through a five-question process. It takes just a few minutes, and it’s available at farmers.gov.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
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Go to Farmers.gov
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Use the site’s search bar to find the “Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool.”
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Answer Five Simple Questions
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Did you suffer a loss from a natural disaster?
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When did the disaster occur? (e.g., July 2024)
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What type of disaster was it? Flood, hailstorm, drought?
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What did it affect? Crops, livestock, bees, fish, or land?
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Where did the damage happen? (Enter your state and county.)
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Based on your answers, the tool generates a list of potential USDA disaster programs tailored to your situation. For example, hailstorm damage to crops in Brazos County, Texas, may point you to the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).
Know Before You Apply
While the tool is a great starting point, your local USDA Service Center makes the final decision on eligibility. Always follow up with them to verify what you qualify for and how to begin the application process.
This tool saves time and brings clarity during what is often a stressful season. If you’ve experienced loss due to natural disasters, don’t delay. Help is a few clicks away.
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