September is National Preparedness Month, a time set aside each year to strengthen our ability to face the unexpected. Disasters – whether fire, flood, storm, or prolonged power outage – rarely announce their arrival, and their impact can be especially challenging in rural communities. Unlike urban areas where emergency services may be minutes away, those of us living and working in rural America often contend with long distances, limited resources, and fewer first responders. That means the responsibility for readiness often falls on our own shoulders.
Preparedness is not about living in fear – it is about building resilience. For farmers, ranchers, and rural families, it means protecting not just our homes and loved ones, but also our animals, crops, and livelihoods. A well-practiced plan and a few weeks’ worth of supplies can turn a potential crisis into a manageable event. And when rural communities prepare together, we not only safeguard individual households and operations, but also strengthen the safety net for neighbors, friends, and local food systems.
This month let us commit to simple, practical steps that make us more self-reliant and better equipped. Whether it is packing a go-bag, updating your farm’s emergency action plan, or connecting with neighbors for mutual aid, every action matters. Preparedness is peace of mind – and in rural America, it is one of our most powerful tools for protecting what we value most.
Lessons from Texas: Why Preparedness Matters
This past summer, catastrophic flooding swept across the Hill Country of Texas, devastating seven counties where many of our Texas members live and farm. The Farmer Veteran Coalition acted quickly, issuing a statewide needs assessment. We chose a broad approach because many of those most affected lacked access to phones or computers, and yet word still reached them through local networks.
Every single response was personally contacted. Our national call center coordinated with the FVC Texas State Chapter President to make sure urgent needs were met. In some cases, this meant organizing cleanup work parties. In others, it meant connecting farmers to agencies and technical resources they might not otherwise have reached in time. The flooding underscored a hard truth: disasters are unpredictable, and when they strike rural communities, the impact is deep, and the response gap is wide.
FVC’s Leadership in Disaster Preparedness
Throughout the last year, the Farmer Veteran Coalition has been working with Flower Hill Institute and other collaborators to provide Disaster Relief outreach, education, and technical assistance to help farmers and ranchers access FSA disaster relief resources.
At the Farmer Veteran Coalition, we believe preparedness must scale beyond the individual farm. That is why we are expanding our disaster-response leadership in a couple of ways.
In 2026, the Farmer Veteran Coalition will be developing a Veteran Disaster Response Program. This will be a comprehensive program that unites preparedness, rapid response, and long-term recovery under one veteran-led initiative.
Drawing on their agricultural expertise and military discipline, Farmer Veterans will be trained and equipped to deploy within 48 hours of a disaster. Once on the ground, teams will provide lifesaving support in rural farming communities – evacuating livestock, clearing roads, stabilizing farm structures, restoring essential functions, and helping producers access relief systems and programs like the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Beyond immediate response, the Response Program will support farm recovery with tools, resources, and training designed to rebuild operations and strengthen local food systems. The program will also be developed to provide veterans with meaningful opportunities to serve again, reinforcing reintegration, purpose, and career development in agriculture, logistics, and emergency response.
Over time, the Ag Corps will not only restore farms – it will cultivate resilience, solidarity, and service across rural America.
Additionally, we are seeking funding now to secure Volunteer Management Software. This new tool will allow FVC to track, coordinate, and mobilize volunteers quickly when disasters strike, making our responses faster and more effective.
Farm Preparedness Checklist
FVC encourages all rural families and producers to take a few practical steps this September:
Emergency Action Plan & Roles
- Every farm should have a posted action plan for fire, flood, outages, or hazardous spills. More than just a document, the plan needs clear roles and backups. Who moves livestock? Who fuels the generator? Who calls neighbors or agencies? Practicing these assignments saves precious time when chaos strikes.
Backup Power Readiness
- Generators are lifelines, but only if maintained. Service yours twice a year, rotate and stabilize fuel, and ensure cords and switches are rated for the load. Consider mapping out which circuits are essential – barn lights, freezers, water pumps – and labeling them so anyone can act quickly. A generator that fails at the wrong time can mean devastating livestock or crop losses.
Water Resilience for Livestock
- Animals cannot wait. Store at least 72 hours of water per herd size. Consider additional strategies like gravity-fed tanks, pond pumps, or cisterns. Keep replacement float valves and fittings on hand – these are small parts but often the first to fail under stress. Planning ahead makes the difference between survival and loss.
Biosecurity & Disease Control
- Emergencies can create openings for disease. Stage disinfectants, PPE, and boot baths near entry points. Designate a sick pen with isolation protocols. These steps not only protect herd health but also safeguard your long-term viability and the broader local food system.
Fire Preparedness
- Barn and wildfires spread in minutes. Create defensible space around buildings, install spark arrestors on tractors, and keep extinguishers on equipment. Store hay and fuel separately from ignition sources. Fire preparation is about saving lives as much as protecting property.
Flood & Storm Protection
Elevate chemicals, feed, and fuel above likely flood levels. Strap down tanks and panels. Identify high ground for livestock and have portable shelters ready. A few hours of preparation today can save weeks of cleanup and thousands in losses later.
Livestock Evacuation Plan
Have relocation sites identified before disaster. Keep trailers road-ready, halters and ropes staged, and practice loadouts. Rehearsals reduce stress on both people and animals when evacuation is no longer optional.
Data & Record Protection
Back up farm records in the cloud and offline. Keep updated inventories with photos for insurance and loans. These records are often the key to fast recovery.
Neighbor & Vendor Mutual Aid
Build formal mutual aid networks with neighbors, veterinarians, and suppliers. Whether it is trailers, water tanks, or feed, collaboration ensures faster, stronger recovery when disaster strikes.
As we close out September, FVC invites every farmer, rancher, and rural family to take one step toward greater readiness. Pack a bag, update your plan, or check in with a neighbor. Small actions add up to resilience. Together, we can strengthen the fabric of rural America so that when the next storm, flood, or fire comes, our communities are ready, resilient, and never alone.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Annual Stakeholders Conference in Waco next month. The whole team has been working to put together some amazing events and speakers for you… so please enjoy!
Happy Harvest!
