USDA issues $2 billion in drought wildfire and flood aid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $2 billion in financial assistance under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP), designed to help livestock producers who experienced significant losses from droughts, wildfires, or floods during 2023 and 2024. The program operates under the American Relief Act of 2025.
The ELRP consists of two separate programs. The first, ELRP 2023 and 2024 Drought and Wildfire, compensates ranchers who suffered grazing losses due to drought or wildfire. The second, ELRP 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire, provides aid for increased supplemental feed costs from floods or wildfires on non-federal lands.
Each program will distribute around $1 billion, helping producers recover from feed and grazing losses. To be eligible, livestock producers must own or lease eligible livestock and demonstrate that their losses resulted from qualifying disaster events. Counties affected by droughts, floods, or wildfires are listed on the FSA’s Approved Counties Dashboard, simplifying the documentation process.
Producers in unlisted counties can still apply by providing supporting evidence such as photos, insurance records, emergency declarations, or NOAA reports. The enrollment period runs from September 15 to October 31, 2025.
Payment calculations are based on existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data, ensuring faster relief. Payments cover up to 60% of monthly feed costs for wildfires and up to three months for flood losses. The combined payment limit is $125,000 per year, with exceptions allowing up to $250,000 for qualifying producers.
By leveraging existing records and streamlining documentation, the USDA ensures quick financial recovery for livestock producers facing natural disasters.
Photo Credit: usda