Ohio livestock producers reminded to report forage losses by March 1

COLUMBUS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency State (FSA) Executive Director Don Jones reminds livestock producers who suffered grazing losses that occurred throughout 2025 due to the drought to report their losses timely and to enroll in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) by March 1, 2026.

LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately-owned or cash-leased land. Producers in Allen, Auglaize, Belmont, Carroll, Columbiana, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Huron, Jefferson, Lucas, Mercer, Monroe, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Wood, and Wyandot Counties are eligible to apply for 2025 LFP benefits on small grain, native pasture, improved pasture, annual ryegrass or forage sorghum.  Livestock producers are encouraged to contact their FSA County Office with any questions regarding specific forage crops that are eligible.

"Prolonged drought conditions have created a need for the livestock forage disaster program in these counties," said Jones. "I encourage all affected livestock producers to contact their FSA County Office to schedule an appointment to enroll in the program before the March 1 deadline."

Livestock producers must complete the LFP application and required supporting documentation no later than March 1, 2026, for losses that occurred throughout 2025. Producers who already have appointments scheduled require no additional action to meet the deadline.

Eligible livestock includes alpacas, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep or swine that have been or would have been grazing the eligible grazing land or pastureland. Recently, FSA updated LFP policy to expand program eligibility to include additional income producing grazing animals, like horses and ostrich, that contribute to the commercial viability of an agricultural operation. Livestock used for hunting and consumption by the owner and horses and other animals that are used or intended to be used for racing and wagering remain ineligible.

Contact your FSA County Office to schedule an appointment for LFP or to find a local FSA office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.