Feed Cost Aid for Livestock Producers

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) to assist eligible livestock producers facing increased supplemental feed costs caused by floods or wildfires in 2023 and 2024.

The sign-up period began September 15 and closes October 31. This program is designed to help offset the higher feed expenses producers experience after disasters.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides a list of approved counties with qualifying floods and wildfires on its website at www.fsa.usda.gov/elrp. While Kansas currently does not have prequalified counties on the map, producers who experienced a qualifying event can still apply.

Applicants must submit supporting documentation to show that a flood or wildfire occurred in the county where the livestock were located or would have been located if not for the disaster. FSA county committees will review and determine whether the disaster meets program requirements.

According to the USDA, “eligible livestock producers now can receive disaster assistance through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a flood or wildfire in 2023 and 2024.”

Kansas producers who experienced wildfire or drought during this time may contact their local FSA office for guidance on eligibility and to begin the application process.

The program includes weaned beef cattle and dairy cattle as eligible livestock. Approved producers can receive up to 60 percent of one month of calculated feed costs for a qualifying wildfire or three months for a qualifying flood. The payments use the same monthly feed cost calculation as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program.

Funding from the ELRP provides vital support to livestock producers as they recover from natural disasters, ensuring herds remain healthy and operations continue despite feed cost challenges. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis, making timely submission important for those seeking assistance.

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