The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced this week the final Emergency Livestock Relief Program, expanding payments to livestock producers disrupted by catastrophic drought, flooding and wildfires in 2023 and 2024.
USDA officials said the plan aims to help ranchers recover losses and continue operations after extreme weather events strained forage supplies and forced herd reductions.
The relief comes as cattle and beef markets continue to show volatility, with the national herd shrinking and prices elevated, reflecting persistent supply pressures.
The relief program will provide one-time payments to eligible operations, with details on qualifying losses and application timelines expected soon.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said the emergency funds complement broader administration efforts to support rural economies and agricultural resilience through targeted assistance.
The announcement follows heightened calls from farm groups and lawmakers for more robust safety nets for producers facing climate-linked losses.
