By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it will expedite Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to support livestock producers affected by drought and wildfire in 2023 and 2024. The decision aims to provide faster financial support through a simplified process.
To streamline delivery, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will use data from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). This approach allows automatic ELRP payments for those who already have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 or 2024. No separate application is needed.
Funding for the program comes from the American Relief Act of 2025. ELRP is one of two programs authorized by the act to support producers with emergency losses. According to FSA, payments in this initial phase will be calculated at 35% due to high demand. If more funding becomes available, a second round of payments may be completed.
In addition to ELRP, the Act has provided $10 billion for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). This support is meant for producers facing economic losses based on 2024 planted or prevented planted acres. As of now, more than $7.7 billion has already been delivered to producers through ECAP. The deadline to apply for this aid is August 15.
Further assistance under ELRP will be announced later this summer, including support for those affected by flooding and other natural disasters.
“I encourage producers to contact their local FSA office for information about ELRP or ECAP,” the USDA stated.
These programs are part of a wider effort to help producers recover from natural disasters and economic loss, ensuring ongoing support for the agricultural community during challenging times.
Photo Credit:kansas-livestock-foundation
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Weather