By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has activated the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for 2023 and 2024 to assist producers affected by recent droughts and wildfires.
This program, announced through a final rule published on May 29, 2025, builds on earlier disaster aid efforts and simplifies payment delivery using existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) applications.
ELRP helps livestock producers recover part of the earnings lost due to grazing losses caused by drought and wildfire. Unlike past aid programs, ELRP requires no new applications.
Eligible producers who filed an approved 2023 or 2024 LFP form (CCC-853) will automatically receive payments. The only major change is that the usual income limit (AGI) applied under LFP does not apply to ELRP.
To qualify, producers must meet the original LFP criteria and ensure all key forms like CCC-902, CCC-901, AD-1026, and FSA-510 (if needed) are filed. A $125,000 annual payment cap applies, or $250,000 for those who earn at least 75% of income from farming or ranching.
ELRP payments are calculated as 35% of the producer’s total LFP payment. For example, someone who received $1,000 through LFP will get $350 from ELRP. In 2023, this amounts to roughly $61.02 per animal unit for top-affected areas, and $55.20 in 2024.
“ELRP helps provide producers with a timely bridge to recovery — and greater certainty in an otherwise uncertain operating environment.”
Producers who did not receive LFP for 2023 or 2024 will not qualify for ELRP. However, USDA has reserved $1 billion for other livestock losses like flooding, with updates to come under a separate rule.
While ELRP doesn't fully cover all losses, it provides essential help to keep livestock operations running. Payments are expected within 1–2 months after eligibility review. Ranchers are encouraged to update records with FSA to avoid delays.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National