New Disaster Assistance Program to Support Tools and Equipment Recovery for Farmers and Ranch Hands

By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is notifying the public that Kentucky farmers and ranch hands whose tools or equipment were damaged on May 21-27 might be eligible for disaster assistance. 

On May 21-27 countless Kentucky farm families saw disastrous events from severe weather, straight-line winds, tornados, and mudslides. These events lead to a loss in essential tools like tractors, plows, seeders, harvesters, sprayers, hay balers and utility vehicles. 

The FEMA disaster assistance will only cover tools and equipment if the applicant can show proof the item was damaged as a result of the storms, and the loss of the item wasn’t covered by insurance. Commodities like crops and livestock will not be covered because they are products of the farm. 

Ranch hands will also be offered the opportunity to apply for assistance to replace disaster-damaged tools. 

If you want to apply for disaster assistance it can be done in person at one of the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, online at DisasterAssistance.gov, or call 800-621-3362.