By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture begins a major disaster relief effort to support livestock farmers facing losses from floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024.
The Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW) sets aside about one billion dollars to offset higher feed expenses caused by these natural disasters.
Sign up opens September 15 and continues until October 31, 2025. Farmers may qualify for payments covering up to 60 percent of one month of feed costs for wildfire damage or three months for flood damage.
Counties with approved disaster designations are listed on the USDA website. Farmers in these counties do not need to present proof of disaster.
Farmers in other counties can still apply but must show records proving a qualifying flood or wildfire occurred.
Eligible animals include beef and dairy cattle, bison, buffalo, goats, sheep, alpacas, deer, elk, horses, emus, and other livestock. Assistance covers nonfederal land and is only for producers who have not already reached the maximum payment limit in related USDA programs.
Annual payments are capped at $125,000, but farmers can request an exception to receive up to $250,000 by filing form FSA 510.
This program is part of wider federal efforts to speed disaster recovery and keep the nation’s food supply strong.
The USDA urges farmers to check the list of eligible counties, gather needed documents, and contact their local Farm Service Agency office for help. This funding provides crucial support to keep farms running and communities resilient after major floods and wildfires.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National