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Modifies the phrase in the matter preceding subclause (I) by replacing "means livestock" with "means livestock, whether weaned or unweaned," to clarify that the term includes both weaned and unweaned livestock.
Adds a new paragraph (5) to subsection (d) of 7 U.S.C. 9081 establishing documentation standards; requires the Secretary, in consultation with eligible producers of farm-raised fish, to establish documentation standards for collecting data, for production of crawfish related to reductions in harvest, and for defining loss conditions due to drought.
Creates documentation and reporting standards for the emergency assistance program covering livestock, honey bees, and farm‑raised fish, directing USDA to develop data collection rules and definitions (including drought loss and crawfish reporting) in consultation with producers. Also amends the Livestock Forage Disaster Program definition so “livestock” explicitly includes animals whether weaned or unweaned, clarifying eligibility and claims processing for young animals.
Amend paragraph (1) of Section 1501(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 by inserting text after a semicolon; the specific inserted text is not included in this excerpt.
Amend paragraph (2), subparagraph (A) of Section 1501(d) by inserting text after a semicolon; the specific inserted text is not included in this excerpt.
Amend paragraph (2), subparagraph (B) of Section 1501(d) by inserting text after a semicolon; the specific inserted text is not included in this excerpt.
Add new paragraph (5) titled 'Documentation standards' requiring the Secretary, in consultation with eligible producers of farm-raised fish, to establish documentation standards for specified items.
Documentation standard: Collecting data — the Secretary must establish a standard for how data are collected.
Primary effects will fall on agricultural producers and USDA program administrators. Livestock producers (including those with very young or unweaned animals) gain clearer eligibility for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program because the definition now explicitly covers unweaned animals, reducing disputes about coverage for young stock. Farm‑raised fish producers — and specifically crawfish producers — will face new reporting requirements: the Secretary must set data collection and crawfish reporting standards tied to reduced harvest claims, which could require changes to on‑farm recordkeeping and monthly/seasonal production reporting. Honey bee producers will likewise be subject to standardized documentation for emergency assistance claims. For USDA and FSA administrators, the law requires development and implementation of standardized forms, data elements, and operational guidance; that should improve consistency of determinations and speed of claims processing but will require internal rulemaking and training. Smaller producers may face additional compliance burdens (more paperwork and specific production reporting) though the standards are intended to make eligibility determinations more transparent and uniform. The provision does not itself provide new funding or alter benefit amounts; it clarifies program rules and administrative processes.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced May 7, 2025 by John Neely Kennedy · Last progress May 7, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced in Senate