Last week the US Department of Agriculture announced the release of Congressionally mandated funds under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program to cover grazing losses on eligible wildfire or drought events in 2023 and/or 2024.

In an effort to streamline payment calculations and quicken the arrival of relief payments to producers, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency is using the existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program data and the payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved Livestock Forage Disaster application on file for these program years.

These funds, which amount to $1 Billion, were provided through the American Relief Act of 2025 and is the first of the two programs authorized to support producers who experienced the eligible losses. FSA will be announcing additional Emergency Livestock Relief program assistance for eligible losses including flooding sometime this summer.

The expected demand for these payments should be great and will be factored at 35% with any additional remaining funds possibly issued in a second payment.  US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “The Department of Agriculture is stepping up to support livestock producers by expediting disaster payments when drought and wildfires strike. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA has the backs of ranchers, and that’s why we are delivering much-needed emergency relief ahead of schedule.”

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President, Buck Wehrbein praised the announcement saying, “Cattlemen and cattlewomen across the country have faced heartbreaking losses from drought and wildfires.

We are so grateful that Secretary Rollins understands the devastation caused by these natural disasters and is working to make cattle producers whole again. We appreciate USDA standing with farmers and ranchers, and being invested in their success.”

Producers with questions regarding their eligibility should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Source - https://southeastagnet.com