USDA Begins Issuing Livestock Forage Disaster Payments

Farm Journal logo

Source: USDA press release

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that ranchers who have signed up for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) have begun receiving disaster payments for forage losses due to severe drought. Producers are reminded that LFP sign up for 2008 losses ends Dec. 10, 2009, and Jan. 30, 2010, for 2009 losses.

"These payments will help producers recover from financial setbacks due to drought," said Vilsack. "This program is just one of our disaster programs, which help stabilize the livestock industry when disasters occur."

The first LFP payments were issued to ranchers in two of the hardest hit disaster counties in the nation: Wilson and Guadalupe counties in Texas. These payments will compensate ranchers who suffered extreme drought losses in 2008 and 2009. This assistance will help ranchers provide feed for their livestock this fall.

Producers in all counties that have suffered a severe, extreme or exceptional drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor are encouraged to visit their local FSA county office to apply for assistance under LFP.

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. Eligible livestock under LFP include beef cattle, alpacas, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, poultry, reindeer, sheep and swine. Losses due to drought and qualifying drought ratings are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor located at www.drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html

 

Latest News

Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections
Biden Administration Restores Wildlife Protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to reinstate rules protecting endangered plants and animals, action that would reverse changes made during the Trump Administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act.

Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors
Across Breed EPD Adjustment Factors

EPDs from multiple breeds can be compared by adding/subtracting the appropriate adjustment factors to the EPDs resulting from the most recent genetic evaluations for each of 18 breeds.

APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies
APHIS Now Thinks Wild Birds Are to Blame for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza's Arrival on Four U.S. Dairies

The livestock industry continues to grapple with the first confirmed cases of HPAI in cattle, while federal and state agencies continue to assure consumers there's no concern about the safety of the U.S. milk supply.

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims
USDA Authorizes CRP Graze and Hay Donations to Wildfire Victims

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants can donate emergency grazing authority to ranchers in Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas impacted by recent wildfires.

New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows
New Guide Helps Producers Maximize Values of Cull Cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions.