By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP), distributing $2 billion to help producers who faced major losses caused by drought, flood, or wildfire during 2023 and 2024.
The program is divided into two categories. The ELRP Drought and Wildfire initiative covers ranchers who experienced grazing losses and had approved applications under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). The ELRP Flood and Wildfire branch focuses on increased feed costs resulting from qualifying natural disasters on non-federally managed lands.
Each program year provides approximately $1 billion in emergency payments. Producers are eligible if they maintain qualifying livestock and are located in counties recognized by the FSA as impacted by these disasters. Those outside listed counties may still apply by submitting evidence such as insurance claims, news articles, or NOAA disaster records.
Payments are calculated using existing LFP data to accelerate distribution. Relief covers 60% of one month’s feed costs for wildfire-related losses and up to three months for flood impacts. The combined annual payment limit is $125,000, with possible increases to $250,000 for qualified applicants.
Enrollment for 2025 remains open until October 31, with additional forms due by November 2, 2026. Through this effort, USDA aims to reduce the financial strain on livestock producers, ensuring they recover more quickly from natural disasters and continue supporting the nation’s food supply.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National