Deadline set for FSA's 2011 Livestock Disaster Program

COLUMBUS — Steven Maurer, executive director for Ohio's Farm Service Agency, said today all producers who lose livestock due to adverse weather, such as hurricanes, floods, blizzards, disease, extreme heat and extreme cold, on or after Jan. 1 and before Oct. 1 can sign up for the FSA’s Livestock Indemnity Program.

Livestock losses had to occur no later than 60 days after the adverse weather event, but before Oct. 1. For livestock losses that occur in calendar year 2011, producers will have 30 days after the death to file a notice of loss to FSA, but not later than Oct. 31 to apply for payment.

Adequate documentation must prove the death of eligible livestock occurred as a direct result of an eligible adverse weather event in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested.

If adequate verifiable proof of death records documentation is not available, a livestock producer may provide reliable records, along with verifiable beginning and ending inventory, as proof of death.

Producers who have questions regarding livestock disaster assistance program eligibility and the application process should contact their local FSA office.