A blue tractor sits in front of a flooded field, showing shrubs and trees submerged in water.

Flood Resources for Washington Farmers

A compilation of resources available to support Washington farms effected by severe, historic flooding.

December 16, 2025

Author: Corinn Rutkoski, WSU

Information on this page has been adapted from the WSDA Flooding Toolkit.

How to evacuate safely

1. Set up emergency alerts and communication

Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy
Designate an out-of-zone contact to confirm safety for family and employees
Share evacuation routes, trailer access, and high-ground locations with neighbors and workers

2. Prepare people and animals

Create an evacuation plan for family, workers, and animals. Post maps showing gates, high ground, and escape routes
Identify safe high-ground areas for livestock
Prepare trailers, halters, and animal identification (tags or collars)
Pack emergency kits for people and animals, including food, water, medications, and documents

3. Prepare equipment and property

Move machinery, feed, fuel, and chemicals to higher ground
Secure electrical panels, irrigation systems, and hazardous materials
Maintain farm roads, culverts, and drainage ditches
Backup farm and business records in waterproof containers or cloud storage

How to protect livestock

Farmers can choose the safest option for their animals, depending on the level of flooding risk:

Shelter in place: Keep livestock in a secure, elevated area on the farm with adequate feed, water, and backup power. Use temporary flood barriers if possible and make sure animals are protected from wind, rain, and debris.
Relocate: Move animals early to prearranged safe sites or host farms outside the flood zone. Plan transport routes, ensure animal care is available, and clearly mark livestock for identification.
Release (last resort): If evacuation isn’t possible and safety is at risk, release animals to higher ground. Record their identification and notify local authorities once conditions are safe.

How to find support after flooding

If your farm or ranch has been affected by flooding, support and guidance are available from local, state, and federal agencies. The following resources provide information on emergency assistance, recovery programs, and best practices for protecting your operation:

Local emergency management offices - Your county’s emergency management office can provide information on shelters, feed, supplies, and local flood response efforts.

Local Conservation District Offices - Local conservation districts offer programs and technical assistance for flood prevention and recovery.

Washington State Department of Ecology - Provides statewide guidance on floodplain management, mapping, and technical assistance:

- Frequently Flooded Areas and Voluntary Stewardship Program

Local Flood Relief - County-level organizations may offer direct support and guidance for accessing federal programs:

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) - FSA provides financial assistance and recovery programs for affected farmers and ranchers. Make sure your property and livestock are properly insured against flood damage. Register your land and animals with USDA to qualify for disaster assistance. Visit your local USDA office.

American Red Cross

If you have questions about how flooding affects your farm soils, contact us at wasoil.health@gmail.com.

Corinn Rutkoski

Corinn Rutkoski is an Extension Coordinator for the Washington Soil Health Initiative at Washington State University.

This article was published by the Washington Soil Health Initiative. For more information, visit wasoilhealth.org. To have these posts delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to the WaSHI newsletter. To find a soil science technical service provider, visit the Washington State University Extension website or the Washington State Conservation District website.