Disaster Information for Farms and Agribusinesses

Disasters. You can't predict when a tornado, hurricane, hazmat or other emergency will strike your business. But you can be prepared and have a plan in case something does happen. Farms, ranches, food warehouses, pesticide dealers and more all have different needs, but the planning basics are the same. Click around. Use the preparedness tools, and in case of a disaster, come back and find the links for assistance.

The Agriculture Emergency Hotline number is 1-866-645-9403. 

Ag Hotline operating hours:

• Saturday, Jan. 31 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 1 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

** Hotline operation may be extended to include additional days based on the severity of the weather event

Recent Updates:

Winter Storms: January/February 2026

• Executive Order No. 31: Declaration of State Emergency
• Waiver: By execution of this Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts involving transportation and other relief services incident to the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services in the Affected States are granted emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles, and 49 CFR § 395.5, maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles, subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein. The regulatory relief under this Emergency Declaration applies regardless of the origin of the trip, so long as the carrier or driver is providing direct assistance to the emergency in the Affected States.” (1/24/2026)
• Press Release: NCDA&CS to activate hotline Saturday to help farmers impacted by winter storm (1/23/2026)
• Executive Order No. 31: Declaration of a State Emergency and Temporary Waiver and Suspension of Motor Vehicle Regulations -  The waiving of some motor vehicle regulations related to agriculture is a big help to farmers readying their farms for bad weather. This Executive Order will allow our farmers the opportunity to prepare and ensure that livestock, poultry, crops and feed can be moved as needed. The order also temporarily suspends the maximum hours of service for drivers.  (1//21/2026)
• To prepare for the potential winter weather this weekend, a temporary waiver has been approved to suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry, or crops ready for harvest Jan. 23rd through 26th. (1/21/2026)

Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Information

The Disaster Hay and Livestock Resources Assistance Portal is a resource to connect farmers who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene with donated resources.  No sales or transactions are made on this website. The requests and offers are collected and sent to NCSU Cooperative Extension where they are matched and coordinated by Extension personnel.

NCDA&CS assumes no liability for those farmers utilizing this service and recommends pursuing multiple avenues to secure feed  and resources following a disaster.  Various disaster programs may be available in the future to provide additional assistance, and be found Here.

Disaster Hay and Livestock Assistance Portal