USDA Urges Farmers to Prepare for Winter Storm Fern

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers, ranchers, rural residents and small businesses in the path of Winter Storm Fern to prepare for severe winter weather and review available USDA assistance.

USDA officials say staff in regional, state and county offices are prepared to help communities respond and recover.

Where to Find Help and Information

Producers can use the USDA Disaster Resource Center and the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool to identify recovery programs following natural disasters. USDA also recommends contacting a local USDA Service Center to determine which programs may apply.

Food Safety During Power Outages

USDA notes winter storms often cause power outages that can compromise stored food. Key recommendations include:

• Refrigerators keep food safe for about 4 hours without power; full freezers for 48 hours (24 hours if half full)
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
• Do not store perishable food outdoors in snow or fluctuating temperatures
• Freeze water containers or ice packs in advance to help keep food cold
• Keep several days of ready-to-eat foods that do not require refrigeration or cooking

Food safety questions can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854 or MPHotline@usda.gov.

Protecting Livestock and Pets

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) encourages producers to prepare animals ahead of the storm:

• Provide shelter, dry bedding and access to unfrozen water
• Contact the receiving state’s veterinarian office if moving livestock across state lines
• Follow guidance from local and state emergency officials

Reporting Losses and Disaster Assistance

USDA offers multiple recovery programs for agricultural operations impacted by winter storms:

• Producers with Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage should report losses within 72 hours and follow up in writing within 15 days
• Document all losses as soon as possible
• Contact a local USDA Service Center to discuss available assistance

USDA assistance may include livestock and tree programs, conservation and forest recovery programs and financial support such as operating or emergency farm loans through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Technical assistance may also be available through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

More tools and fact sheets are available at farmers.gov.