By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has implemented new livestock disaster assistance provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. The updates expand coverage and increase financial support for producers affected by livestock and forage losses.
A major change to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) extends coverage to unborn livestock lost when adult female animals die from eligible disaster events beyond normal mortality levels. Payments for unborn calves may reach up to 85% of the rate established for the lowest weight class of the same livestock type, with the provision applying retroactively to losses dating back to January 1, 2024.
USDA has also increased compensation for livestock losses caused by predation. Beginning with the 2026 program year, eligible producers will receive payments equal to 100% of market value for predation losses, compared with the previous 75% reimbursement rate.
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) has been expanded to provide assistance after four consecutive weeks of severe drought (D2) or greater during the normal grazing season. Producers may qualify for a larger payment if drought conditions continue for seven out of eight consecutive weeks.
In addition, USDA updated rules for the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program. The revised regulation clarifies that feed-loss payments will be calculated based on no more than 150 grazing days during a program year.
These changes are intended to strengthen support for livestock producers facing drought, predation, and other disaster-related challenges. Producers interested in learning more about available assistance programs can contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency.jpg
Categories: Kansas, Livestock