USDA Offering Assistance For Livestock Forage Losses In Cocke County

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced important disaster assistance for those who experienced livestock forage losses in 2026. If you have livestock in Cocke and Sevier counties, and suffered grazing losses due to drought or fire, you may be eligible for benefits through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, or LFP.
The program provides compensation for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash-leased land, or fire on federally managed land where grazing was prohibited. Eligible forage types include small grain, native pasture, improved pasture, annual ryegrass, and forage sorghum. To apply for your 2026 losses, you’ll need to complete a CCC-853 application and provide supporting documentation. The deadline to submit your application is March 1st, 2027 .
Janie Valentine with the Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke FSA Office says applications can only be accepted after the National Office confirms a qualifying drought or fire event. If you have livestock and want more information about this assistance, contact the Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke County USDA Service Center in Dandridge at 865-397-3151 Ext, 2.