AgRecovery
Emergency Response & Resources
Winter Storm Recovery & Preparedness Resources
Winter weather can affect farms, families, and livestock through freezing temperatures, power outages, difficult travel conditions, and storm-related damage. These University of Tennessee Extension resources offer practical guidance for preparedness, response and recovery.
Preparedness Education
- Emergency Preparedness Program – Learn about UT Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences emergency preparedness resources available through county offices.
- Preparing for a Disaster – UT Extension publication with disaster preparedness education materials.
Animal and Farm Readiness
- Equine Disaster Preparation and Response – Planning guidance for horse owners, including evacuation, emergency contacts and animal identification.
- Additional Farm Recovery Resources – UT Extension’s flood-related page includes some useful animal care and recovery links, though some material may be broader than winter storm needs.
Family and Household Recovery
- Disaster Recovery Resources – Practical guides on documenting losses, applying for assistance, contracting for repairs and supporting family well-being after a disaster.
- Find Your County Extension Office – Connect with local Extension staff to learn what support and programs are available in your area.
USDA Program Information for Agricultural Losses
- USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Assistance — Financial assistance may be available through local USDA Farm Service Agency offices. Use the USDA Service Center Locator to find your local Tennessee office and ask about disaster assistance, farm loans and other recovery programs
- Fencing and Property Restoration – The USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) may help with certain fencing and conservation-related restoration needs if the program is activated locally.
- Barns, Structures and Equipment – Assistance may be limited for barns, other farm structures and equipment losses, but producers can contact their local FSA office to ask about loan options and other available recovery programs.
- Livestock Losses – Producers who lost livestock may be eligible for the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Contact your local FSA office to begin the application process.
- High Tunnel Losses – While there is not currently a direct disaster reimbursement program for high tunnel losses related to this storm, producers may be able to apply through NRCS’s EQIP high tunnel program for a new conservation project.
- Uninsured Structures – Assistance may be limited and may depend on local ECP activation for certain conservation-related damage. Most barns, sheds and similar structures are more likely to fall under loan options than direct relief.
Cleanup and Property Recovery Resources
Pruning and Damaged Trees:
- Storm-Damaged Residential Trees: Assessment, Care and Prevention
- How to Manage Storm-Damaged Trees
- Pruning Ice-Damaged Trees
- Winter Weather Tree Tips
Constructing Temporary Fencing:
Assessing Timber Stands for Damage:
• Do you need transportation to move livestock from a damaged or flooded area?
Contact FACCT or your local UT/TSU Extension Office. You can also contact your local emergency management agency as they can activate a Disaster Animal Response Team to assist.
• Do you need a place to temporarily house livestock?
Contact your local emergency management agency as they may have sheltering options in their county emergency plans.
• Do you have missing livestock?
Notify your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control. It may also be helpful to contact your local UT/TSU Extension Office, Co-Op, and/or other area farm stores as those agencies and businesses may have received reports of found animals.
• Unless you are skilled with handling that species, DO NOT approach. Loose livestock may be scared or injured and can unintentionally hurt a human if not managed appropriately.
• Note the location and contact your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control.
• If you are skilled with handling that species, please use your best judgement and err on the side of caution. If you have facilities to contain the animal(s) and keep them separated from your own, consider containment while maintaining your safety as the top priority. Whether contained or left loose, note the location and contact your local emergency management and law enforcement agencies, as well as animal control.
• It may also be helpful to contact your local UT/TSU Extension Office, Co-Op, and/or other area farm stores as those agencies and businesses may have received reports of lost animals.
Tennessee Farm Disaster Fund | Tennessee Farm Bureau
Assists in rebuilding and recovery from sustained losses post-disaster.
Farmer Relief Fund | Tennessee Local Food
Offers financial assistance to farmers navigating unexpected challenges, with an emphasis on supporting sustainable farming practices.
Resilient Farmer Fund | Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council
Assists farmers and food producers to recover from disaster and to grow more resilient.
Microgrant Program | The Livestock Conservatory
Funding assistance provided under four different categories: emergency response, national microgrants, youth microgrants, and breed association microgrants.
USDA Emergency Conservation Program
Offers emergency funding and technical support to help farmers and ranchers restore farmland and conservation structures affected by natural disasters.
USDA Emergency Forest Restoration Program
Offers technical and financial support to owners of non-industrial private forests to restore forest health and resources impacted by natural disasters.