This update post contains important information from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Veterinary Division's newsletter. To subscribe to the newsletter, please send an email to Joe.Web@ncagr.gov.

Agriculture Emergency Hotline

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services hotline is active. This hotline is to connect farmers with resources that can assist with damage and other agricultural emergencies related to the storm. The toll-free number is 1-866-645-9403. A live operator will be available daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Livestock Assistance Portal

For those in need of hay, feed or other essential livestock goods and services, there are two ways to request assistance:

1. Fill out a Livestock Assistance Form online if you are able
2. If you are unable to fill out the Livestock Assistance Form you may also call the hotline: 1-866-645-9403

For those wishing to donate hay, feed, or other essential livestock goods and services or for anyone interested in providing assistance by housing livestock:

1. Please fill out a Livestock Assistance Form online if you are able
2. If you are unable to fill out the Livestock Assistance Form you may also call the hotline: 1-866-645-9403
3. If needed, you will be contacted by someone from NCSU or NCDA. Thank you for your willingness to help!

Many thanks to NC State Extension and the N.C. Cattlemen's Association for their support developing and managing this Livestock Assistance Portal.

Existing Recovery and Resilience Programs

Various disaster programs may be available to provide financial assistance for purchasing feed:

• Emergency Programs - Recover | NC Agriculture

USDA Disaster Relief Programs

USDA issued a press release on September 24, 2024, that contains information about their disaster relief programs:

• USDA Press Release

For available USDA FSA (Farm Service Agency) programs, visit:

• Disaster Assistance Programs (usda.gov)

American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Grants

AVMF Disaster Reimbursement Grants are for the purpose of ensuring the emergency veterinary medical care of animal victims of a disaster. Up to $5,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by veterinarians providing emergency veterinary medical care to animal victims of disasters. A disaster would include but is not limited to, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, or oil spills in an area that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state or federal level.

• Disaster Reimbursement Grants for Veterinary Medical Care

AVMF Disaster Relief Grants are for the purpose of assisting veterinarians and veterinary students who have experienced an emergency need for basic necessities due to a disaster. Up to $2,000 may be issued per grantee for out-of-pocket expenses incurred immediately following the disaster. A disaster would include but is not limited to, flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, or oil spills in an area that has been declared a disaster area at the local, county, state or federal level.

• Disaster Relief Grants for Veterinarians & Veterinary Students

FDA Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Flooding

State and federal resources are available for human food producers as well as animal food producers who are experiencing a severe weather event. This would apply to producers harvesting, mixing, storing, or distributing grains or other foods.

• Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Flooding | FDA

Flood Inundation Mapping & Alert Network (FIMAN)

Interactive mapping tool allows you to view current flooding stages and expected peak stage for many streams and rivers across NC:

• NC FIMAN