Has your family farm been impacted by flooding or weather?
Farmers Union and Farm Aid have partnered to award $500 grants to help cover household expenses for family farmers in Kansas who have had their operations disrupted by these recent weather and water related emergencies.
Midwest Storm Disaster Assistance Available to Farm Families
Kansas Farmers Union Coordinating Farm Aid’s Family Farmer Disaster Relief Fund
Farm and ranch families in Kansas can now access much-needed financial relief following the devastating spring floods in the Midwest.
Farm Aid is partnering with Kansas Farmers Union and National Farmers Union to distribute emergency relief grants to help farmers meet household expenses. Families who rely on farming for their income, live in the declared disaster areas, and are experiencing hardship as a result of the storm are encouraged to complete an application, even if other relief such as crop insurance or FEMA funds have been made available.
While there is no deadline to apply, applications are reviewed as they are received and there is a finite amount of funding available. Applications will be reviewed by a team of NFU staff and representatives from Kansas Farmers Union. Approval is based on the applicant qualifying as a family farm and demonstrating economic loss.
Applications are available online at farmcrisis.nfu.org.
Please call NFU’s Tom Bryant at (202) 554-1600 with any questions or to have an application mailed to your address.
Donations to support these efforts can be made to Farm Aid’s Family Farm Disaster Fund at https://give.farmaid.org/give/54454/#!/donation/checkout.
Kansas Farmers Union is the state’s oldest active general farm organization working to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. We believe family ownership of farm land is the basis for the world’s most viable system of food and fiber production, and that maintaining this family farm system will preserve our natural and human resources. Become a Farmers Union member.
Farm Aid’s mission is to keep family farmers on the land. We’re best known for our annual music, food and farm festival, but the truth is we work each and every day, year-round to build a system of agriculture that values family farmers, good food, soil and water, and strong communities. Learn more about our day-to-day work to celebrate and strengthen farmers, advocate for fair farm policies, connect farmers and eaters, and bring family farm food to everyone.
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice. NFU represents family farmers, fishers and ranchers across the country, with organized divisions in 33 states. The key to the success and credibility of the organization has been Farmers Union’s grassroots structure in which policy positions are initiated locally. Learn more about NFU.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
KANSAS AGRICULTURAL MEDIATION SERVICES
KAMS is a service available to Kansas residents who would like assistance in resolving all types of agricultural related issues. KAMS specialists provide initial information and guidance at no cost through a toll-free hotline, 1-800-321-3276. Our state-wide network of cooperating agencies and programs includes a pool of trained agricultural mediators, K-State Research and Extension financial consultants and Kansas Legal Services (KLS). To find out more about mediation and KAMS, explore the KAMS website or call 1-800-321-3276.
FARM AID HOTLINE
Through the 1-800-FARM-AID hotline and email service, Farm Aid’s in-house Farm Advocate refers farmers to an extensive network of family farm and rural support organizations across the country. Referrals provide immediate support to farm families in crisis and farmers seeking to transition to more sustainable farming practices, as well as for individuals looking to become farmers. If you need to talk to someone directly, Farm Aid is there to listen. Madeline and other Farm Aid staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm eastern time. LEARN MORE.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States BY CALLING 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 150 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. LEARN MORE.
Net farm income dropped 50 percent from 2013-2016, and it has remained depressed ever since.
These conditions force many family farmers and ranchers to make tough financial decisions that will impact their families, communities, and the entire country.
National Farmers Union’s Farm Crisis Center compiles significant resources to help farmers through stressful times including national disaster resources and USDA disaster assistance programs.
Visit the NFU Farm Crisis Center.