The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is sharing updated information about disaster relief programs available to cattle producers impacted by hurricanes – and opportunities to support disaster recovery through NCBA state affiliates.
NCBA President Mark Eisele encourages producers to utilize the relief programs available through USDA and contact NCBA if you encounter any challenges or need assistance.
Sign up begins Oct. 15, 2024 for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) in states affected by Hurricane Helene. The signup period runs through June 1, 2025.
USDA has provided guidance to FSA County Committees and local staff to exercise maximum flexibility in determining acceptable loss documentation and to ensure that Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) applications are acted upon in a timely manner.
Producers can also apply for emergency assistance through the Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) program to help cover above normal costs to transport livestock to feed and/or transport feed/forage to livestock in hurricane-impacted states. Assistance is also available to help cover above normal costs to haul water to livestock in hurricane-impacted states.
USDA has extended flexibilities and waivers to disaster relief programs making it easier for cattle producers to apply for these programs and receive timely payments.
USDA has also created a hurricane specific webpage that contains additional information on relief programs and deadlines for filing applications.
All USDA disaster relief programs are accessed through your local USDA Service Center where you can speak directly with USDA staff.