Texas flood damage: how farmers can document losses, claim assistance
AgriLife Extension offers flood damage, disaster information for livestock, infrastructure insurance claims
Flood damage losses that have impacted South Texas farmers, ranchers with livestock or agricultural infrastructure are advised to provide documentation in preparation for insurance claims or qualifying federal assistance.
In 48 hours, 6-20 inches of rain fell in the Rio Grande Valley, causing flash flooding. The catastrophic flooding caused significant agricultural and livestock losses in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Disaster Assessment and Recovery agents have been deployed to conduct loss assessments of crops and agricultural infrastructure in the flooded regions of South Texas. Some field loss estimates and other acreage assessments will have to wait until floodwater recedes.
Essential steps to take before cleaning up after flooding
Any losses pertaining to livestock, damaged equipment, machinery, agricultural structures, fences and water wells must be documented with digital images to provide further proof of loss.
“It’s advised for landowners to take photos of any deceased livestock before burial or disposal,” said Bryan Davis, DAR South region chief, Seguin. “After a flood, it’s important to inventory and identify any missing animals, remove potentially dangerous objects from pastures, and quickly repair any damaged fences or gates.”
Davis also said removing objects from pastures protects more than livestock.
“That protects farm workers and machinery from being injured or damaged when mowing pastures that have grown over and hidden these objects.”
How to prevent mosquitoes and pests after flooding
Another long-term consideration, especially in low-lying areas, is biting pests, he said.
“It’s important to make sure all livestock vaccinations are current and to apply insect repellents to protect livestock from what will likely be increased mosquito and fly populations,” Davis said.
Controlling potential pests is also important for humans.
Standing water will prevail for many days following the recent rainfall, but homeowners should drain any flowerpots, pet dishes or containers that may hold standing water to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
Davis said individuals can dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors and use EPA-approved insect repellent.
Reporting, documenting
The following are helpful tips and assistance information:
- Missing cattle: Report stranded, stray or missing cattle to the local county sheriff’s department or contact your local AgriLife Extension county agent. Authorities will assist in gathering the livestock and use brand identification to locate the owner.
- Reporting losses: The Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, iSTAT, is offered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The tool assists emergency management officials in assessing damages through iSTAT damage surveys. These help state officials identify resource needs.
Livestock owners may be eligible for federal assistance, so they should record all details about livestock death losses due to floods. Documentation of the number and kind of livestock that died, when possible, should be supplemented by the following:
- Photographs or video records to document the loss, dated if possible.
- Purchase records, veterinarian records, production records and bank or other loan documents.
- Written contracts, records assembled for tax purposes, private insurance documents and other similar reliable documents.
- Rendering truck receipts or certificates.
Federal and state assistance
The Livestock Indemnity Program, LIP, aids with livestock losses due to disasters. LIP provides indemnity payments for livestock killed in floods that had to be euthanized directly due to the flooding or were injured and sold within 30 days for a reduced rate.
Producers must provide records of their losses, including inventories, financial records, photographs, rendering receipts and veterinary certifications. The deadline to provide notice of loss and submit a payment application is 60 days after the calendar year in which the loss occurred.
Carcass disposal guidelines are available from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
The Texas Department of Agriculture State of Texas Agriculture Relief Fund, STAR Fund, also provides resources for farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses impacted by natural disasters.
The Disaster Assessment and Recovery website contains more preparedness and recovery information.
