Tennessee Livestock Producers in 20 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 1, 2023 –  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 20 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2023.

“Drought conditions in multiple counties have triggered availability of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program," said John Litz, State Executive Director. “LFP provides compensation to livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought. We encourage producers to contact their local service center for an appointment and to learn what records they need to have on hand in order to apply for assistance.”

Eligible counties include: Bledsoe, Bradley, Chester, Decatur, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Henderson, Lawrence, McMinn, McNairy, Marion, Meigs, Perry, Rhea, Sequatchie, Van Buren, Warren, and Wayne         

Litz said the program covers full season improved pasture. LFP provides compensation to livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought. Qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

Eligible livestock include alpacas, beef cattle, buffalo/bison, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, ostrich, reindeer or sheep that have been or would have been grazing the eligible grazing land or pastureland during the normal grazing period.

An acceptable crop acreage report filed by the applicable deadline, application for payment and supporting documentation are required. To expedite applications, producers who experienced losses in 2023 are encouraged to collect records documenting their losses. Supporting documents may include information related to grazing leases or federal grazing permits, contract grower agreements and more. Applications for 2023 losses will be accepted through Jan. 30, 2024.