The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lorri McGee of Drew County announced that FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses due to drought.
The deadline to apply for 2026 LFP assistance is March 2, 2027.
LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash-leased land, or due to fire on federally managed land. Qualifying drought intensity levels are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Producers in Drew, Bradley and Calhoun counties are eligible to apply for 2026 LFP benefits for grazing losses on long and small grains and improved pasture mixed forage. A full list of eligible counties and pasture types is available on the USDA Farm Service Agency Livestock Forage Disaster Program webpage.
Eligible Livestock
Livestock eligible for LFP include:
- Alpacas
- Beef cattle
- Bison
- Buffalo
- Beefalo
- Dairy cattle
- Deer
- Elk
- Emus
- Equine
- Goats
- Llamas
- Ostriches
- Reindeer
- Sheep
These animals must have been, or would have been, grazing eligible grazing land or pastureland.
FSA recently updated LFP policy to expand program eligibility to include additional income-producing grazing animals, such as horses and ostriches, that contribute to the commercial viability of an agricultural operation.
Ineligible Livestock
The following remain ineligible for LFP assistance:
- Livestock used for hunting
- Livestock used solely for owner consumption
- Horses and other animals used or intended to be used for racing and wagering
How to Apply
Livestock producers interested in applying for LFP should contact the Drew County FSA office at 870-224-7319 with any questions regarding the eligibility of specific livestock or forage crops.
The Drew County USDA Service Center Farm Service Agency serves customers by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 870-224-7319 or book online through the USDA Bookings Page.
Producers are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance to allow FSA staff adequate time to prepare for their visit.
For additional information about USDA disaster assistance programs, visit farmers.gov/recover.
