USDA Reopens Application Period for Producers Recovering from Cattle Loss/Other Disasters

The USDA will once against accept disaster assistance program applications, beginning on June 4.  Eligible producers include those who’ve suffered livestock losses, as well as the loss of honeybees, farm-raised fish, as well as other types of losses because of natural disasters.  The FSA is reopening the application period for two disaster assistance programs in response to statutory changes made by Congress.

Starting Monday, the FSA will accept new applications for losses in 2017 and 2018 filed under the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) or the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Bees, and farm-raised fish program (ELAP).  Producers who’ve already submitted applications and received decisions on their applications for these years don’t need to file again.

However, they can reapply if they have additional losses or filed their applications late. Congress passed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which made several changes to each program. Producers who are interested in LIP or ELAP should contact their local Farm Service Agency office for more information.

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