USDA Disaster Assistance Updates: Nebraska ECP Extension and Hawaii Hurricane Lala Deadlines

On August 24, 2026, the USDA Farm Service Agency announced two actionable disaster-assistance updates affecting agricultural producers and landowners in Nebraska and Hawaii.

Nebraska: ECP deadline extended for wildfire-affected counties

USDA FSA has extended the Emergency Conservation Program application deadline for several Nebraska counties affected by March 2026 wildfires. The new deadline is October 26, 2026.

The extension applies to wildfire damage in Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith, Morrill, Dawson, Lincoln, Blaine, Thomas, and Cherry counties.

ECP can provide cost-share and technical assistance to restore qualifying farm and ranch land to pre-disaster condition. Approved applicants may receive up to 75% of eligible restoration costs, subject to program limits.

Hawaii: Hurricane Lala disaster assistance deadlines

USDA also issued a disaster assistance update for Hawaii producers affected by Hurricane Lala. Impacted producers should report losses promptly.

For 2026 losses, the following deadlines apply:

• LIP notices of loss and ELAP notices and payment applications: March 1, 2027
• TAP applications: within 90 days of the disaster event or when eligible tree, bush, or vine losses become apparent
• NAP-covered losses: generally within 15 days, or within 72 hours for hand-harvested crops

Who may be affected

Nebraska producers and landowners in Arthur, Garden, Grant, Keith, Morrill, Dawson, Lincoln, Blaine, Thomas, and Cherry counties with qualifying March 2026 wildfire damage.

Hawaii producers who suffered losses from Hurricane Lala, including those with livestock, trees, bushes, vines, or noninsured crops.

What action may be needed

Nebraska landowners should contact their local FSA county office and submit an ECP application by October 26, 2026.

Hawaii producers should report losses promptly and confirm the specific deadline that applies to their operation and coverage.

Where should the information be verified?

Landowners and producers should verify eligibility, program requirements, and deadlines directly with the USDA Farm Service Agency.