Here are some steps to follow for farmers, ranchers and growers during emergencies.
- Take care of yourselves and your families before taking care of the farm.
- Secure all your farm equipment, protect your plants or animals, and remove anything (such as debris) that could become a projectile.
- Stay safe during the hurricane and avoid flooding locations.
- After the hurricane, when is safe, document any damage to your farm in writing and take pictures. Do not enter your farm if is dangerous, is better to wait.
If you need assistance in creating a damage report, or any other type of assistance, please call your local extension agent:
Luis O. Rodriguez, Small Farms and Pesticide Education Agent, UF/IFAS Polk County: 863-221-9305 or lrodriguezrosado@ufl.edu
There are agencies under the Federal Department of Agriculture that have emergency assistance programs in case of damage.
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA):
Farm Service Agency (FSA):
- US Consolidated Farm Services Agency
- Find your local Farm Service Agency
- Polk County, Bartow office Phone: (863) 533-2051
- Polk County, Bartow Office Address: 1700 US-17, Bartow, FL 33830
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS):
- NRCS website
- Find Your Local Service Center
- Natural Resources Conservation Service Disaster Recovery
- Polk County, Bartow Office Phone: (863) 533-2051
- Polk County, Bartow Office Address: 1700 US-17, Bartow, FL 33830