The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that eligible livestock producers affected by floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024 can receive disaster recovery assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP 2023 and 2024 FW). The program, which aims to offset increased supplemental feed costs caused by qualifying disasters, is expected to provide approximately $1 billion in recovery benefits. Sign-up for assistance begins on September 15, 2025, and livestock producers have until October 31, 2025, to apply.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and ranchers impacted by catastrophic events, highlighting that the program builds on previous disaster relief efforts to ensure producers have the resources needed to maintain their livelihoods and the nation’s food supply.
Eligible counties have been pre-determined by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for qualifying floods and wildfires, allowing producers in these areas to apply without submitting additional documentation. Producers in counties not pre-approved must provide evidence that a qualifying disaster affected the location of their livestock, which will be reviewed by local FSA committees.
The program covers a wide range of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, bison, goats, sheep, equine, and other species, using criteria similar to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Wildfire assistance is available for non-federally managed land, provided the producer did not receive previous LFP or ELRP drought and wildfire payments.
Payment calculations allow eligible producers to receive up to 60% of one month of feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood, with a combined annual payment limit of $125,000 for each program year. Producers may request an exception to increase the limit to $250,000 if needed.
USDA is committed to expediting disaster assistance, with tracking and updates available through the 2023/2024 Supplemental Disaster Assistance public landing page. This initiative is part of the broader American Relief Act, 2025, supporting livestock producers in managing the impacts of natural disasters and maintaining sustainable operations.
