Livestock Forage Disaster Program: Producers Encouraged to Check County Eligibility

Ongoing drought conditions have impacted pastures throughout the region, and several counties have now reached qualifying drought conditions for assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP).

LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who have experienced grazing losses on qualifying pasture or grazing acres due to drought. Eligibility is based in part on drought conditions in the county where the grazing land is physically located and the U.S. Drought Monitor during that county’s normal grazing period.

Because LFP eligibility and qualifying dates can vary by county, we encourage livestock producers throughout our region to contact their local FSA office to determine whether their grazing acres are currently eligible and what requirements apply to their operation.

Who May Be Eligible?

LFP generally covers eligible grazing livestock maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation. Eligible species can include beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, equine and several other types of grazing livestock.

Producers must also have qualifying pasture or grazing land and certify that they suffered a grazing loss because of a qualifying drought. An acreage report must be timely filed for the grazing land for which the loss is being claimed.

Check With Your Local FSA Office

If you have livestock grazing pasture or forage acres affected by drought this year, don’t assume your county is—or isn’t—eligible. Contact the FSA office serving your county to confirm current LFP eligibility, qualifying dates and the information you will need to apply.

For 2026 grazing losses, eligible producers must submit their completed application and required supporting documentation to FSA by March 1, 2027.

For additional information about eligibility, livestock requirements, payments and documentation, review the USDA Farm Service Agency’s 2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program Fact Sheet below.

Questions?

Your local FSA office is the best resource for determining county-specific LFP eligibility and application requirements. Producers can also contact KDL Insurance with questions about their crop and pasture insurance coverage.