OWENSBORO, Ky. — Kentucky farmers devastated by April’s storms and flooding can seek help at two Agriculture Recovery Centers.


What You Need To Know

  • There are two Agriculture Recovery Centers offering relief for farmers devastated by the April severe storms and flooding 

  • Farmers can meet with representatives from FEMA and the SBA to explore recovery options 

  • The floods destroyed crops, equipment and livelihoods, leaving many farmers struggling

  • Farmers are encouraged to bring documentation, such as proof of ownership, for damaged or lost equipment

The first center opened Monday at the Daviess County Extension Office, with a second set to open Tuesday at the Ohio County Extension Office. Both are open from noon to 8 p.m., offering farmers a chance to meet with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies to explore recovery options.

The floods destroyed crops, equipment and livelihoods, leaving many farmers struggling.

“It runs the gamut from fields being flooded to their equipment and their homes, too,” said Greg Shanks, Kentucky Department of Agriculture director of emergency management. “Their farms are their businesses and their livelihoods.”

Farmers are encouraged to bring documentation, such as proof of ownership, for damaged or lost equipment. The centers are open to all affected farmers, regardless of their county of residence.

The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans to cover equipment losses and economic impacts, with no interest or payments required for the first year.

“Any time you pay off any of the loan, it goes back into that fund that helps others in the community,” said Tolulope Edwards, SBA public affairs specialist.

The agency has already disbursed $10 million in loans to Kentuckians since the disaster struck a month ago.

FEMA provides grants for those who qualify, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the state.

“We understand agriculture is a big part of Kentucky,” said Eren Strittar, FEMA external affairs specialist. “If some of your equipment was damaged, equipment that you need to work, you need to come and talk to us.”

Strittar also warned farmers to beware of fraud, noting FEMA assistance is free and does not require payment. Farmers can verify eligibility by visiting the centers, calling FEMA’s hotline at 1-800-621-3362 or downloading the FEMA app.

The Daviess County center marks a pilot program for Kentucky, with officials hoping to replicate it in future disasters.

“They are way behind right now," Shanks said, underscoring the urgency of recovery efforts. "We know that; they’re behind in their planting."

The deadline to apply for assistance is July 23.