Recently, Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown wrote a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking for assistance to rebuild facilities in rural communities, which may rely on farm equipment to sustain their economies. Repairs needed include those to hospitals and safety services.
"As the communities work to restore and rebuild their homes, schools and businesses, your efforts and assistance are vital to their success," Brown wrote in the letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
Many different types of disasters may befall farmers, including those associated with the weather. While tornadoes can destroy fields and farm equipment, excessive rain can make it difficult to navigate fields.
Even nature's creatures can pose a threat. The USDA is currently monitoring a situation in the West where a high number of grasshoppers could emerge, which may lead to crop destruction. The department is making funds available to help fight the pests.
