Ranchers impacted by natural disasters would receive strengthened livestock disaster assistance under bipartisan legislation sponsored on June 22 by U.S. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND).
“Our legislation makes common-sense improvements to the Livestock Forage and Emergency Assistance for Livestock Programs to help better meet the needs of our livestock producers when disaster strikes,” said Sen. Hoeven, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee.
The Livestock Disaster Relief Act, S. 2097, which Sen. Hoeven introduced alongside lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), would improve the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program (ELAP).
Specifically, S. 2097 would better align coverage between LFP and ELAP and increase producer assistance under LFP to more accurately compensate ranchers for feed costs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, S. 2097 would specify transportation costs for feed, water, and livestock as covered losses under ELAP and make the improvements permanent for both programs, the summary says.
“I’m proud to team up with Sen. Hoeven on this bipartisan bill to ensure that Montana ranchers receive the relief they need to respond to future disasters so that they can continue to raise the best cattle in the world,” Sen. Tester said.