USDA Urges Farmers and Ranchers to Prepare for Weekend Bomb Cyclone
31 January 2026, Washington: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers, ranchers, rural families, and agribusinesses across the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the Mid-Atlantic and New England to prepare for a rapidly intensifying winter storm expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend.
The storm is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy snowfall, coastal flooding, and widespread power outages. USDA officials say staff at regional, state, and county offices are on standby to assist producers and rural communities before, during, and after the storm.
Producers are encouraged to review available disaster assistance programs and connect early with their local USDA Service Center to understand what support may be available if damage occurs. The USDA Disaster Resource Center and Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool provide a centralized starting point for recovery information.
Food Safety During Power Outages
High winds and snow could lead to prolonged power disruptions. USDA advises the following steps to reduce food losses and protect food safety:
A refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about four hours during a power outage, while a full freezer can maintain safe temperatures for up to 48 hours if the door remains closed. Producers are advised not to place perishable foods outside in snowbanks, as temperatures can fluctuate and food may be exposed to animals or unsanitary conditions.
Freezing containers of water or making ice ahead of the storm can help maintain freezer temperatures if power is lost. Items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat that may not be needed immediately can be frozen in advance to extend storage life. Grouping foods together in the freezer also helps them stay cold longer.
USDA recommends keeping several days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods on hand that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
Protecting Livestock and Farm Animals
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) urges livestock owners in the storm’s projected path to take immediate precautions:
Animals should have access to shelter, dry bedding, and unfrozen water. Producers planning to move livestock across state lines should coordinate with the receiving state’s State Veterinarian’s Office in advance. Farmers are also advised to closely follow instructions from local emergency officials, especially in areas facing blizzard conditions or coastal flooding.
Disaster Assistance and Risk Management for Producers
USDA offers multiple programs to help agricultural operations recover from winter storm damage.
Producers covered under Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) must report losses to their crop insurance agent or local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office within 72 hours of discovering damage, followed by written confirmation within 15 days.
Additional USDA assistance programs include support for livestock losses, orchard and vineyard damage, land rehabilitation, and forest restoration. Producers should document all losses with photos, records, and receipts and contact their local USDA Service Center as soon as conditions allow.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides both technical and financial assistance through conservation programs and can support local governments through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program—particularly in areas vulnerable to erosion or coastal flooding.
Emergency Loans and Financial Support
FSA also offers direct and guaranteed loans to farmers and ranchers affected by natural disasters, including emergency and operating loans for those unable to secure commercial financing. Low-interest emergency loans are available in designated disaster areas to help producers recover from physical and production losses.
Loan servicing options may also be available for borrowers facing temporary repayment challenges due to storm-related disruptions. These loans can be used to replace livestock, equipment, feed, and seed, cover essential living expenses, and refinance farm-related debts.
Also Read: Sahyadri Farms: A Farmer-Led Collective Transforming Indian Agriculture
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