DROUGHT AID AVAILABLE FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS
Livestock producers in Lincoln, Union and Jackson Parish could be eligible for a payment due to drought conditions. The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to provide compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or is planted specifically for grazing. The grazing losses must be due to a qualifying drought condition during the normal grazing period for the parish, according to Chuck Hixon, Acting County Executive Director for the Lincoln, Union and Jackson Parish FSA Office. To be eligible to earn LFP benefits, producers must have purchased 2010 NAP coverage for the grazing land on which the eligible grazing loss occurred. Eligible farmers who meet the definition of “Socially Disadvantaged”, “Limited Resource”, or “Beginning Farmer”, do not have to meet the NAP purchase requirement. It should be noted that for this program, the definition of beginning farmer is one who has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, Hixon said. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2011. Interested producers should call the Lincoln Parish FSA office at (318)255-2826 Ext. 2 for an appointment. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET CENTER at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA,Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.., STOP 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call toll-free at 866-632-9992 (English) or 800-877-8339 (TDD) or 866-377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or 800-845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.