Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Farmers and Rural Landowners 

With hurricane season already underway, here are some ways producers and landowners can prepare.   

While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a 55 percent chance of a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season due in part to El Niño conditions, a quieter season does not eliminate risk. Hurricane damage is determined by where storms make landfall, not how many storms form. Just one storm can have devastating consequences—especially if your operation doesn’t have a comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist in place. 

Whether you manage row crops, livestock, timberland, or specialty crops, proactive hurricane planning can help protect your assets, reduce financial losses, and speed recovery efforts. 

The most resilient operations don’t wait for disaster to strike. As the leading nationwide rural land lender, we’re in the business of helping farmers and rural landowners prepare for uncertainty with flexible financing solutions, educational resources, and long-term financial support. 

Hurricane Preparedness for Farmers Key Takeaways 

• Review and update your emergency action plan annually.  
• Secure equipment, infrastructure, and important records.  
• Prepare livestock and emergency supplies before storms develop.  
• Review insurance coverage and financing options.  
• Visit AgAmerica’s Natural Disaster Resources Center for additional information. 

How Should Farmers Prepare for Hurricane Season? 

Using periods of calm weather to assess vulnerabilities, update emergency plans, protect critical assets, and review financial resources is a great place to start. Taking these steps now can help minimize disruptions and accelerate recovery if severe weather develops later this season. 

Long-term success often depends on the ability to adapt, prepare, and recover from circumstances outside your control. Hurricane preparedness is one of the most practical ways to build that resilience. 

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Farmers and Rural Landowners 

Use the following hurricane preparedness checklist to help protect your operation before severe weather threatens your area. 

1. Review Your Emergency Action Plan 

Every operation should maintain a written emergency response plan that is reviewed annually. 

Key considerations include: 

• Family communication procedures 
• Employee notification systems 
• Emergency contact information 
• Evacuation routes 
• Designated shelter locations 
• Roles and responsibilities during emergencies 

If your plan hasn’t been reviewed since last hurricane season, now is the time to update it. 

2. Protect Important Farm Documents 

Access to critical records can significantly speed up insurance claims and disaster assistance applications following a storm.  

Secure copies of: 

• Insurance policies 
• Property deeds and land records 
• Equipment inventories 
• Livestock records 
• Financial statements 
• Operating agreements 
• Tax documentation 

Consider photographing buildings, equipment, and other valuable assets before hurricane season begins. Having pre-storm documentation can simplify insurance claims after a disaster.  Whenever possible, maintain digital backups stored in a secure cloud-based system. 

3. Secure Equipment and Infrastructure 

Farm equipment and infrastructure represent significant investments that can often be protected through advance planning. 

Before a storm approaches: 

• Move equipment to higher ground when possible 
• Secure tractors, implements, and utility vehicles 
• Inspect and reinforce fuel storage tanks 
• Top off fuel supplies early to avoid pre-storm shortages 
• Protect irrigation systems 
• Secure chemical and fertilizer storage areas 
• Evaluate grain bins and storage facilities 
• Remove loose materials that could become airborne hazards 

Even simple preventative measures can reduce costly damage. 

4. Prepare Livestock and Animals 

Livestock operations face unique challenges during hurricanes and severe weather events. 

Preparation measures may include: 

• Establishing animal relocation plans 
• Identifying alternative grazing areas 
• Securing feed inventories 
• Ensuring access to clean water 
• Maintaining current veterinary records 
• Updating identification tags and records 
• Preparing emergency medical supplies 
• Coordinating evacuation plans in advance 

Proactive planning helps reduce stress on both livestock and producers when conditions deteriorate quickly. 

5. Assess Drainage and Flood Risks 

Flooding can create longer-lasting impacts than hurricane-force winds, particularly in low-lying agricultural areas. 

Evaluate your property’s: 

• Ditches and drainage systems 
• Culverts and water crossings 
• Retention ponds 
• Access roads 
• Low-lying production areas 
• Erosion-prone fields 

Addressing drainage issues before a storm can help reduce standing water, soil erosion, and infrastructure damage. 

6. Build Emergency Supply Inventories 

Supply shortages frequently occur before and after major storms. 

Maintain adequate inventories of: 

• Fuel 
• Generators and backup power sources 
• First aid supplies 
• Drinking water 
• Non-perishable food 
• Tarps and temporary repair materials 
• Chainsaws and maintenance equipment 
• Batteries and communication devices 

Building inventory before demand spikes can save valuable time and resources. 

Hurricane Preparedness for Different Types of Agricultural Operations 

Not all agricultural operations face the same risks during hurricane season. Tailoring your preparedness strategy to your operation’s specific vulnerabilities can improve outcomes. 

Row Crop Farms 

Row crop producers should focus on: 

• Improving field drainage 
• Reducing erosion risks 
• Securing irrigation equipment 
• Protecting stored grain 
• Developing contingency plans for delayed harvests 

Flooding and saturated soils can affect productivity long after a storm passes. 

Livestock Operations 

Livestock producers should prioritize: 

• Animal evacuation procedures 
• Emergency feed supplies 
• Water system backups 
• Fence inspections and repairs 
• Generator readiness 

Protecting livestock should remain a top priority before, during, and after a hurricane. 

Timberland Properties 

Timberland owners face significant exposure to wind-related damage. 

Preparedness efforts should include: 

• Maintaining access roads 
• Identifying vulnerable stands 
• Removing hazardous trees near infrastructure 
• Planning post-storm inspections 
• Reviewing timber insurance coverage 

Downed timber can create both safety hazards and economic losses if not addressed quickly. 

Specialty Crop Operations 

Specialty crop operations often have high-value assets concentrated in relatively small areas. 

Producers should focus on: 

• Greenhouse protection 
• Irrigation infrastructure security 
• Backup power systems 
• Crop protection measures 
• Equipment relocation plans 

Even short periods of disruption can affect crop quality and profitability. 

Financial Preparedness is a Critical Part of Hurricane Preparedness 

Physical preparation is only one component of farm disaster preparedness. Financial readiness can be equally important when recovering from a major storm. 

Before hurricane season intensifies, consider reviewing: 

Working Capital and Liquidity 

Maintaining adequate cash reserves can provide flexibility when unexpected expenses arise following a disaster. Consider reviewing available lines of credit or financing options before hurricane season, as obtaining financing may become more difficult during widespread disaster recovery efforts. 

Emergency funds can help cover: 

• Temporary repairs 
• Debris removal 
• Equipment replacement 
• Livestock relocation 
• Operational disruptions 

Insurance Coverage 

Annual policy reviews can help ensure coverage aligns with current property values, equipment inventories, and operational needs. 

Areas to evaluate include: 

• Property insurance 
• Crop insurance 
• Livestock coverage 
• Equipment protection 
• Flood insurance

Understanding coverage limitations before a storm occurs can help avoid surprises during recovery. 

Disaster Assistance Resources 

Many producers may qualify for state, federal, or industry disaster assistance programs following a qualifying event. 

Having organized financial records, production histories, and documentation readily available can help streamline the application process. 

Building Resilience Before the Storm 

Hurricane preparedness is not a one-time task. It is an ongoing risk management strategy that helps protect people, property, livestock, crops, and long-term financial stability. 

History has shown that it only takes one storm to create lasting impacts. Producers who use this time to review emergency plans, secure critical assets, and strengthen financial preparedness will be better positioned to weather whatever this year’s hurricane season brings. 

Visit AgAmerica’s Natural Disaster Resource Center to access additional resources, disaster recovery guidance, and tools designed to help farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners prepare for and recover from severe weather events.