Farmers and ranchers in Montezuma, Dolores and San Miguel counties are urged to apply for two federal livestock disaster assistance programs before the Monday, March 2 deadline.
The 2025 Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the 2025 Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm‑Raised Fish Program provide financial relief for qualifying losses. The deadline aligns with USDA rules and covers disasters or emergencies that occurred in 2025.
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program compensates eligible producers for grazing losses on privately owned or cash‑leased, nonirrigated land due to drought conditions. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm‑Raised Fish Program supports losses such as above‑normal costs for water hauling, feed transportation and moving livestock to alternative forage or grazing areas.
Producers interested in applying can contact the Farm Service Agency at the Montezuma and Dolores/San Miguel USDA Service Centers.
The Montezuma FSA Farm Program can be reached at sm.sa.co.montezuma@usda.gov or (970) 565‑9045 (ext. 2). The Dolores/San Miguel County FSA Farm Program can be reached at sm.sa.co.dolores@usda.gov or (970) 677‑2229 (ext. 2).
Kacey Riedel, county executive director for the Farm Service Agency at the Montezuma and Dolores/San Miguel USDA Service Centers, told The Journal that FSA assists applicants with record establishment, form completion and determining which program best meets their needs.
“If that’s something they’re wanting to participate in, we always want to get them the most that they’re eligible for without ever having to ask for money back,” Riedel said.
She also outlined other services FSA provides for local agricultural producers. Supports include farm loans for established operations, revenue protection and risk‑management tools, financial assistance, the Emergency Conservation Program, the Livestock Indemnity Program and other aid options.
The Emergency Conservation Program offers cost‑share assistance for repairs such as fencing damaged by natural disasters including fire or extreme weather. The Livestock Indemnity Program helps producers facing “above normal mortality” of livestock caused by disasters such as fire, hail or blizzards.
Riedel said producers who have previously used FSA services are encouraged to return if they need further assistance.
Producers can subscribe to monthly FSA newsletter at https://bit.ly/FSAsubscription.
More information is available online at www.farmers.gov.
