USDA offers $1B disaster aid for livestock producers
Support targets feed costs after floods, wildfires
12 September 2025
1 minute read
By: USDA has announced nearly $1 billion in disaster recovery assistance for eligible livestock producers hit by floods and wildfires in 2023 and 2024. The Emergency Livestock Relief Program will help offset higher supplemental feed costs, with sign-up starting Sept. 15 and running until Oct. 31, 2025.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the support underscores the department’s commitment to farmers and ranchers facing catastrophic losses. “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is standing shoulder to shoulder with America’s farmers and ranchers, delivering the resources they need to stay in business,” Rollins said.
The Farm Service Agency has identified eligible counties with qualifying disasters where producers will not need to submit supporting documentation. Producers in other counties can still apply but must provide proof of flood or wildfire damage.
The program covers a wide range of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, bison, sheep, goats, equine and others. Payments will be based on feed cost calculations, with eligible producers able to receive up to 60% of one month of feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood.
Annual payments are capped at $125,000, although producers may request an exception to raise the limit to $250,000. More details, including a list of eligible counties, are available at fsa.usda.gov/elrp.
