Northwest Iowa — Farmers with flood damage to their land will want to report to their local USDA’s Farm Service Agency office in order to qualify for some flood relief funds. Iowa FSA Chief Ag Specialist for Conservation and Compliance, Curt Goettsch says there is financial assistance available to farmers with flood damage under the Emergency Conservation Program.
Goettsch says they have sections to handle shaping and grading of ground where waters may have cut a gully or ravine. There is also a cost-share program used to help repair fencing, and another to get rid of debris.
Goettsch estimates the total damage from this year’s spring flood may actually be as bad or worse than 2011.
He says they won’t know exactly until all the information is in.
No deadline has yet been set as to when farmers need to report flood damage, but Goettsch says you should visit with your local FSA office as soon as possible. Goettsch suggests you bring along photographs, or other documentation showing the extent of damage on your land caused by the floods.
