Drought conditions have begun impacting pasture productivity across our region, and livestock producers may be eligible for financial assistance through the USDA Farm Service Agency's Livestock Forage Program (LFP).
The Burke-McDowell-Caldwell and Mitchell-Yancey FSA Offices have announced that the program is now available for qualifying grazing losses on native pasture and full-season improved pasture due to the area's designation as a D3 (Extreme Drought) drought category.
For many livestock producers, reduced pasture growth means increased feed costs, reduced grazing opportunities, and additional pressure on farm budgets. The Livestock Forage Program was established to help offset some of those losses when drought conditions significantly impact available forage.
What is the Livestock Forage Program?
The Livestock Forage Program provides financial assistance to eligible livestock producers who experience grazing losses due to qualifying drought conditions on:
- Privately owned grazing land
- Cash-leased grazing land
- Federally managed grazing land affected by qualifying fire events
The program helps producers recover a portion of the costs associated with forage losses when drought reduces grazing opportunities.
More Than Just Cattle Are Eligible
While cattle are often the first livestock species that comes to mind when discussing drought assistance, they are not the only animals eligible for the Livestock Forage Program.
Eligible livestock species may include:
- Beef cattle
- Dairy cattle
- Sheep
- Goats
- Horses
- Buffalo
- Bison
- Beefalo
- And other eligible grazing livestock as determined by USDA program guidelines
Cattle require additional classification categories for program enrollment. Cattle, buffalo, bison, and beefalo must be categorized by:
- Adult animals (cows and bulls)
- Non-adults weighing 500 pounds or more
- Non-adults weighing less than 500 pounds
For most other eligible livestock species, producers simply need to provide the total number of head.
If you raise livestock other than cattle and have questions about eligibility, contact your local FSA office for guidance specific to your operation.
Acreage Reporting Requirements
To be eligible for LFP, producers must have pasture acreage reported with the Farm Service Agency.
The deadline to timely file acreage reports for pasture and grass intended for hay production is July 15, 2026.
Producers who file acreage reports after July 15 will be assessed a late-file fee of $46 per farm.
Additionally, any producer utilizing leased pasture ground must have a valid lease agreement on file with the FSA office to be eligible for program benefits.
Livestock Inventory Documentation
When applying for LFP, producers will need documentation of livestock inventory during the period February 21 through April 21, 2026 (within 60 days prior to April 21).
For cattle operations, livestock numbers are categorized as:
- Adult animals (cows and bulls)
- Non-adults weighing 500 pounds or more
- Non-adults weighing less than 500 pounds
Animals listed under 500 pounds must be weaned and actively grazing. Unweaned calves do not meet the USDA definition of grazing livestock and are not eligible under the program.
If livestock were sold during the qualifying inventory period, producers may be able to include those animals by providing copies of sales receipts or sale barn documentation.
Schedule an Appointment Before Visiting
FSA staff strongly encourage producers interested in applying to call and schedule an appointment before visiting the office.
The application process requires several records and supporting documents to be entered into the system before an application can be generated. For producers who have not recently updated their records, additional time may be needed to verify information and complete enrollment requirements.
Scheduling appointments helps ensure producers receive timely assistance while allowing staff adequate time to process applications accurately.
Don't Wait Until the Deadline
Drought conditions can have lasting impacts on forage availability and livestock operations. Producers who believe they may qualify should begin gathering acreage information, livestock records, lease agreements, and sales documentation now.
Even if you are unsure about your eligibility, contacting your local FSA office is worthwhile. Staff can review your operation and determine whether you qualify for assistance through the Livestock Forage Program.
Need More Information?
For additional information about the Livestock Forage Program or to schedule an appointment, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency office. Burke County office number is (828) 439-9727.
If you have questions regarding pasture management, drought planning, supplemental feeding strategies, or forage management, the NC Cooperative Extension Service is also available to assist producers with research-based recommendations to help navigate ongoing drought conditions.
As drought conditions continue to challenge producers across Western North Carolina, programs like LFP can provide valuable assistance. If your operation relies on grazing livestock, now is the time to review your records, report your acreage, and determine your eligibility before deadlines arrive.
If you have questions please call the office at (828) 652-8104.
