# Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025

When livestock farmers face disasters—like severe droughts, floods, extreme weather, or disease outbreaks—they can lose animals, pasture, and feed, which threatens their entire operation. This bill makes it easier and faster for farmers to get federal help when these emergencies happen. Right now, the process for getting disaster assistance can be slow and complicated, with lots of paperwork and waiting. This bill streamlines that process so farmers don't have to jump through as many hoops to access the money they need to recover and keep their operations going.

The bill likely improves how quickly farmers can apply for and receive assistance after a disaster strikes. It probably removes some of the red tape that currently slows down payments and makes the eligibility requirements clearer so farmers know exactly what they qualify for. This matters because when a disaster hits, farmers need help immediately—they can't wait months for paperwork to be processed while they're losing money every day. By making the system faster and more straightforward, the bill helps livestock farmers get back on their feet quicker after emergencies.

The main people affected are livestock farmers and ranchers who raise cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry, and other animals. If you buy meat, dairy, or other animal products, you're indirectly affected too, since helping farmers recover from disasters helps keep food production stable and prices more predictable. Rural communities that depend on farming also benefit when local farmers can recover faster from disasters and stay in business.

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025

Thune, John

Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025This bill expands 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 producers under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)&nbsp;to include losses caused by drought. The bill also specifies that covered losses include transportation costs related to feed or water shortages. 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.