The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $1 billion in disaster recovery assistance for eligible livestock producers affected by floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024. The aid will be provided through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP 2023 & 2024 FW) to help offset increased supplemental feed costs caused by qualifying disasters.
Key Details for Producers:
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Sign-up Period: September 15 – October 31, 2025
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Eligible Livestock: Weaned beef cattle, dairy cattle, buffalo, bison, elk, deer, alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, and more
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Assistance Levels:
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Up to 60% of one month of feed costs for wildfire losses
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Up to 60% of three months of feed costs for flood losses
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Payment Limits: $125,000 per program year, with a possible increase to $250,000 upon approval (Form FSA-510 required)
Producers in counties already identified as disaster-impacted by USDA will not need to submit additional documentation. Those outside designated counties can still apply but must provide proof of qualifying flood or wildfire events.
“USDA is committed to standing with livestock producers impacted by catastrophic weather events,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This funding will help keep producers in business and ensure a stable food supply.”
For more information or to apply, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center or visit fsa.usda.gov/elrp
