In a recent move to aid those wrestling with the aftermath of natural catastrophes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has unveiled a substantial relief program for livestock producers hit by floods and wildfires. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announcement, flagged on Monday, promises around $1 billion in recovery benefits to assist agricultural communities grappling with elevated feed costs resulting from these disasters.
Starting September 15, producers can sign up for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW), giving them until October 31, to apply. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized the administration's commitment, stating, "We are providing continued support for livestock producers whose livelihoods and way of life have been disrupted by catastrophic floods, wildfires, and poor forage conditions in 2023 and 2024." She credited President Trump's leadership for the forceful response. "Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is standing shoulder to shoulder with America’s farmers and ranchers, delivering the resources they need to stay in business, feed their families, and keep our food supply strong," Rollins said, as stated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To expedite aid, the Farm Service Agency has identified counties with eligible floods and wildfires. These pre-approved counties will allow livestock producers to apply without the need to submit supporting documentation of the natural disasters; a full list is available on the Farm Service Agency's website. For producers in counties not pre-approved, documentation is required to prove the occurrence of these disasters when they apply for benefits, as per the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's FSA will be utilizing criteria similar to those found in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for defining eligible livestock and producers. This includes a variety of animals such as beef cattle, dairy cattle, goats, and sheep, extending to less common livestock like alpacas and emus. Wildfire assistance is specifically tailored for non-federally managed land and is earmarked for participants who have not yet received benefits through related Livestock Forage Disaster Program or ELRP programs rolled out earlier in the year.
