Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has announced the release of $1 billion in disaster relief 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), which falls under a larger $21 billion weather-related assistance package that Hoeven helped secure in year-end legislation passed by Congress.

This marks the first installment of two programs aimed at addressing losses faced by livestock producers, with additional ELRP assistance for other issues like flooding expected later this summer. The total allocation for livestock support will amount to $2 billion.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will utilize existing data from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief distribution. Senator Hoeven has been advocating for a simplified application process, urging Agriculture Secretary Rollins to ensure an efficient system.

Eligible producers with approved LFP applications on file for 2023 and/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,” stated Hoeven. He expressed gratitude towards Secretary Rollins for collaborating on this initiative and emphasized ongoing efforts to deliver all $34 billion in disaster aid to support a resilient farm economy while working towards strengthening long-term farm safety nets.

Hoeven is also continuing his collaboration with USDA to advance an additional $20 billion in weather-related assistance for losses incurred during 2023 and 2024, following progress made with the $10 billion market-based assistance package. North Dakota producers have received nearly $565 million through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP).