USDA Announces $1 Billion in Disaster Assistance for Livestock Producers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has announced that eligible livestock producers impacted by floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024 will receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).
“That’s for flood and wildfire disaster. To help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to the qualifying flood or qualifying wildfire in calendar year 2023 and 2024.”
The USDA expects the program to deliver approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits to farmers and ranchers struggling with increased feed costs and losses due to natural disasters. This financial support is part of the agency’s broader effort to stabilize the agricultural sector after two years of extreme weather events.
“The program is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits.”
Sign-up for the Emergency Livestock Relief Program begins September 15 and runs through October 31, 2025. Eligible producers are encouraged to act quickly to ensure they receive assistance during this critical window.
“Sign-up begins September the 15th. You have until October 31st to apply for this assistance.”
Secretary Rollins emphasized the USDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting livestock producers who have suffered through unprecedented natural disasters and deteriorating forage conditions.
“We are providing continued support for livestock producers whose livelihood and way of life has been disrupted by catastrophic floods, wildfires, and poor forage conditions. That’s in the year 2023 and 2024.”
She added that the USDA remains a partner in helping farmers and ranchers recover and rebuild, ensuring they can continue to produce food and maintain the strength of the national food supply chain.
“The USDA is standing shoulder to shoulder with America’s farmers and ranchers delivering the resources they need to stay in business, to feed their families, and to keep our food supply strong.”
The Emergency Livestock Relief Program 2023-2024 provides much-needed support during a period when many producers face severe feed shortages, infrastructure loss, and financial strain.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.