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Wyoming ranchers are facing very dry weather in 2026. The lack of rain makes it hard to grow grass and feed cattle. Because of this severe drought, the government is stepping up to help. If you own livestock in Wyoming, there are several programs that can give you money or cheap loans.
Federal Drought Help for Wyoming Ranchers
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) runs the biggest relief programs. They use the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to hand out this money locally.
Emergency Loans from the USDA
In early 2026, the USDA named several Wyoming counties as official natural disaster areas. This includes places like Fremont, Natrona, Laramie, and Sublette.
Because of this disaster label, ranchers in these areas can get special emergency loans.
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You can use these loans to replace lost animals.
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The money can help buy expensive hay and water.
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You can also use it to fix damaged farm equipment.
The Livestock Forage Program (LFP)
The Livestock Forage Program gives you cash when your normal grazing land dries up. If your county hits a certain level of dry weather, you can apply.
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It covers part of your monthly feed costs.
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You must own or lease the grazing land to get the money.
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Your local FSA office tracks the weather map to tell you when you qualify.
Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP)
This program helps pay for the extra money you spend on feed during a bad drought. It covers costs that other programs might miss. The best part is that ELRP payments are often automatic. If you already signed up for the LFP, the USDA uses that exact same paperwork to send your ELRP money.
State Support from Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Agriculture also works to help local farm families. They offer tools to help you manage your dry land and your mental health.
Water Grants: The state offers money to help build better water systems on your land.
Stress Help: Farming during a drought is very stressful. The state offers free counseling and support for ranchers.
Hay Listings: The state agriculture website has a tool to help you find people selling hay nearby.
How to Apply for Help
Getting government help takes time, but starting early makes it easier.
Call the FSA: Find your local Farm Service Agency office and make an appointment.
Save Your Receipts: Keep every single receipt for hay, water hauling, and extra feed.
Count Your Herd: Keep exact records of how many animals you own and any that die.
Do Not Wait: Many of these programs have strict deadlines in late 2026. Apply as soon as you can.
Key Deadlines at a Glance
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November 25, 2025 — Emergency loan applications for the March 2025 disaster declaration.
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March 2, 2026 — LFP and ELAP applications for 2025 losses.
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March 9, 2026 — SBA drought loans for drought starting May 1, 2025.
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April 13, 2026 — SBA drought loans for Lincoln, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties.
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December 10, 2026 — Emergency loans for the April 2026 fast-track declaration.
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December 14, 2026 — Emergency loans for the April 2026 declaration covering five counties.
Drought in Wyoming is not a one-time event. It is a cycle. What makes the difference between losing the ranch and keeping it is knowing what help exists and having a plan.
Start by calling your local FSA office. Ask about emergency loans, LFP, and ELAP. Check the hay assistance website if you need feed. And if water is your biggest problem, ask about the state’s emergency point-of-use order