The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is urging farmers and producers to take immediate action to apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP). The deadline for submitting applications related to losses incurred in 2024 is fast approaching, set for January 30, 2025. This initiative aims to provide crucial support to those affected by various adverse conditions, including dairy producers impacted by the H5N1 virus outbreak in cattle. Producers are advised to visit the official USDA website to locate their nearest service center for more information.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program offers recovery assistance for a wide range of issues that farmers may encounter. One of the key focuses this year has been on aiding dairy producers who have faced challenges due to the H5N1 virus. The program covers losses associated with feed and grazing shortages not caused by drought or wildfires on federal lands. It also addresses situations where additional feed was required due to specific adverse conditions, as well as increased costs related to transporting water and feed to livestock during qualifying droughts. Moreover, it provides support for honeybee colony losses due to adverse weather and other qualifying conditions, and farm-raised fish losses from disease and weather events.
Dairy farmers who have had to remove cattle from commercial milking due to positive H5N1 tests are eligible for assistance. These animals must be maintained for commercial milk production and currently lactating. Financial aid is available for up to 120 days following the date when the H5N1 test sample was collected. If the impact period spans across two calendar years, producers will need to submit separate applications for each year's losses. As of early January 2025, active H5N1 detections were reported in California and Michigan, although ELAP assistance has reached producers in 16 states affected by the outbreak.
In addition to supporting dairy producers, ELAP also assists farmers facing other types of losses. Adverse weather conditions such as blizzards, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes can significantly impact livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish. Payments are calculated based on a percentage of the fair market value of lost assets or the cost of addressing feed and water shortages. To qualify for these payments, producers must provide verifiable documentation of their losses, which could include veterinary records and receipts for purchased feed.
The USDA emphasizes the importance of this program in providing a financial safety net for producers dealing with unexpected challenges. By offering support for events outside the ordinary risk profile of farming operations, ELAP helps ensure the economic viability of agricultural businesses. With the January 30, 2025, deadline looming, farmers are encouraged to act promptly to secure the assistance they need.