FSA details forage, hauling and emergency programs for drought-impacted producers

Natalie Parker, county executive director with the Farm Service Agency covering Montrose and Delta offices, outlined the key federal assistance programs producers can use during drought. She explained that the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) provides drought-triggered payments based on Drought Monitor designations and that payments vary with severity and county triggers.

Parker also described ELAP (Emergency Livestock Assistance Program), which can reimburse producers who haul feed or water more than 25 miles or who transport animals out of the area because of drought or fire. "ELAP helps pay if you are having to purchase above normal quantities of feed from outside of the area," she said, describing mile-based reimbursement rates and paperwork requirements.

Parker stressed acreage reporting as a prerequisite for participation in disaster programs — the usual deadlines can be extended with a late-file fee — and encouraged producers to register with farmers.gov, use the service center locator and subscribe to local county email newsletters for program deadlines and fact sheets.