USDA Begins Issuing Livestock Forage Disaster Payments

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."

LFP provides payments to eligible livestock producers that have suffered livestock grazing losses due to qualifying drought or fire. 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.

The American Sheep Industry Association has contacted program officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency in Washington, D.C., requesting that Livestock Indemnity Program payments also begin since applications have been filed and approved dating back to July 2009.