# Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2023

When disasters strike—like severe droughts, floods, wildfires, or disease outbreaks—livestock farmers can lose animals, pasture, and feed, devastating their operations and livelihoods. This bill makes it easier for ranchers and farmers to get federal help when these catastrophes happen.

The main change is that the bill improves how the government provides disaster assistance to people who raise cattle, sheep, poultry, and other livestock. It streamlines the process for farmers to access emergency funds and support programs when their animals die or their operations are damaged by natural disasters. Instead of navigating complicated bureaucracy, farmers can more quickly get the financial help they need to recover—whether that's money to replace lost animals, rebuild facilities, or cover feed costs while they get back on their feet.

This matters most to rural communities and family farms that depend on livestock for their income. Without quick disaster assistance, a single bad event can force farmers out of business entirely. By making the help more accessible and responsive, the bill aims to keep farming operations alive during emergencies and help rural economies bounce back faster after disasters. The bill essentially recognizes that livestock farmers face unique challenges during disasters and deserve a smoother, more efficient path to getting the federal support that's already available to them.

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2023

Thune, John

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2023 This bill modifies access to Department of Agriculture disaster assistance programs and requires increased interagency cooperation in drought-related activities. The bill specifies that state and federal grazing permit holders are eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Further, emergency measures eligible for payments include new permanent measures, such as permanent water wells and pipelines. The bill also waives the 30-day comment period required for applications under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for emergency measures carried out during a drought emergency. Modifications to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program allow for one monthly payment when a county has four consecutive weeks of a D2 rating (severe drought) and two payments for eight consecutive weeks of D2. Currently, one payment is available for eight consecutive weeks of D2. The bill expands coverage for honey bee producers under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses caused by adverse weather or drought, such as transportation costs and reduced honey crops. Further, the bill requires the ELAP payment rate for honey bee producers to incorporate additional factors, such as per-hive and per-colony rates of loss. The USDA must establish an interagency working group to improve the consistency and accuracy of U.S. Drought Monitor data. Finally, the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service must enter into a memorandum of understanding to better align their drought response activities.