Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven has announced the release of $1 billion in disaster relief funds by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for livestock producers affected by wildfires or drought in 2023 and 2024. This funding is part of the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP), included in a $21 billion weather-related assistance package that Congress passed in December.

This ELRP funding is the first phase, with additional support for other losses such as flooding expected later this summer. The total aid for livestock producers will amount to $2 billion.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) plans to use existing data from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to simplify payment calculations and expedite relief. Senator Hoeven had previously advocated for a streamlined application process with Agriculture Secretary Rollins to ensure efficiency.

Producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 or 2024 will automatically receive emergency relief payments without needing to contact USDA. More information can be found on USDA’s website.

“This first round of $1 billion in emergency livestock assistance specifically targets wildfire losses, bringing needed relief to, and aiding the recovery of, ranchers in North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “We appreciate Secretary Rollins for working with us to get this assistance out the door and to streamline the process for our producers, both under today’s ELRP funding and the ongoing market-based assistance program."

Hoeven is also collaborating with USDA on advancing another $20 billion in weather-related aid and following up on $10 billion already distributed through market-based assistance programs. North Dakota producers have received nearly $565 million under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).