Flood Damage Support (2024)
State and federal agencies are encouraging farmers who have been impacted by the flooding of 2024, regardless of insurance status, to:
- Document damage. Take thorough photos and notes.
- Reach out to your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. Your FSA office will provide you with resources that fit your farm.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the Minnesota Farm Service Agency (FSA), and University of Minnesota Extension have also compiled flood damage resources on their websites, including mental health resources. Whether you live in Minnesota, Iowa, or Wisconsin, there is information on these websites that may be helpful for you.
General Support
• Minnesota Farm Advocates: Farm Advocates, which are located throughout the state, provide one-on-one assistance for Minnesota farmers who face crisis situations caused by either natural disaster or financial problems. To find an advocate near you, see www.mda.state.mn.us/about/commissionersoffice/farmadvocates.
• Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline: Free, confidential, 24/7. This call center is located in Minnesota. Calls are answered by trained staff and volunteers. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts—call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know. Call 1-833-600-2670 or text “FARMSTRESS” to 898211. For the program’s brochure, click here.
• Mental Health Support: Minnesota also has Ted Matthews and Monica McConkey, experienced, ag-focused mental health providers who offer confidential counseling services at no cost to farm individuals, couples, or families anywhere in the state. Sessions can take place in person, on Zoom, or over the phone, and insurance is not needed. They have helped hundreds of Minnesota farmers and farm family members over the years.
• Financial Support: For financial assistance, the Rural Finance Authority (RFA) provides a variety of low-interest loans, including one for disaster relief. The Minnesota Department of Agiculture also posts a number of grant opportunities throughout the year, such as the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, which can help improve, update, and modernize livestock operation infrastructure and equipment.
• Dairy Support: Specific to Minnesota dairy farms, Dairy Business Planning Grants cover 50% of your cost to hire a qualified, independent third party to create a business plan for your operation or test for stray voltage. Dairy Profit Teams provide planning and problem-solving services throughout Minnesota.
• Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG): FLAG is a nonprofit law center dedicated to providing legal services and support to family farmers and their communities in order to help keep family farmers on the land. FLAG provides basic advice as well as numerous printed and online resources. More information is at www.flaginc.org or by calling 651-223-5400.
• The Minnesota Farmer-Lender Mediation Program: Contact the program at https://extension.umn.edu/get-help/farmer-lender-mediation or at 218-935-5785.
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture: “Dealing with Stress” website: This website contains fact sheets and tips on dealing with stress, as well as links to other resources. www.mda.state.mn.us/about/mnfarmerstress
• Minnesota Farm Business Management Program: This program, which is offered through the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, offers individualized farm management assistance and access to educational opportunities throughout the year. Farm Business Management instructors work with farmers to improve record-keeping and provide in-depth financial and profitability analysis of agricultural operations. For a list of instructors throughout the state and other details, see www.centerofagriculture.org/farm-business-management/farm-business-management-institutions.
• The Land Stewardship Project’s Farm Beginnings Program: LSP’s Farm Beginnings, Farm Dreams and Journeyperson courses provide various levels of training in the areas of business planning, goal-setting and marketing, among others. For details, see www.landstewardshipproject.org/morefarmers/farm or call 507-523-3366.
• The Land Stewardship Project’s Soil Health Program works with crop and livestock farmers that view soil as a long-term investment and imperative to our ecological health. LSP acts as a bridge between sources of emerging soil health information and local farming practices, including reduced tillage, cover crops, annual crops, perennials, and livestock integration. To receive regular updates on workshops, field days, on-farm demonstrations, and emerging soil health research, join our Soil Builders’ Network. https://landstewardshipproject.org/lspsoilbuilders
National Resources
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. We’re committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness. Call 1-800-273-8255.
• National Farmers Union Farm Crisis Center. https://farmcrisis.nfu.org
• Farm Aid Resource Guide for Farm Crisis Support. www.farmaid.org/our-work/resources-for-farmers/farmer-resource-guides/crisis-support-farm-aid-resource-guide
• The Mesothelioma Center. Agricultural workers and farmers are exposed to asbestos in farm equipment and building materials. Vermiculite, a mineral that’s safe in its pure form, can also pose a risk if asbestos contaminated the vermiculite mine. Asbestos has been found in vermiculite soil mixes and conditioners. This organization provides free informational books, packets, and a Patient Advocacy program that works one-on-one with individuals to help them find local doctors, treatment centers and support groups.