Depredation compensation payments appropriation

This bill appropriates $125,000 for fiscal year 2026 to compensate Minnesota farmers for livestock damaged or destroyed by wolves, and another $125,000 for crop or fence damage caused by elk. It directly affects farmers who experience wildlife-related losses, allowing the Agriculture Commissioner to reimburse costs for livestock valuation, claim investigations, and grants for elk-damage prevention measures like crop protection. Funds can be transferred between the wolf and elk programs if claims become unusually high, and the one-time appropriation expires on June 30, 2027. The bill provides specific financial support for agricultural losses without changing existing wildlife management statutes.