NCBA Efforts Initiate Changes in Livestock Compensation Program

Washington, D.C. (October 18, 2002) – After considering comments from concerned producers and members of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced modifications to the Livestock Compensation Program.

NCBA members voiced their concern over the qualification limitations of the program, and NCBA’s Washington DC staff discussed the details of the concerns with representatives from the USDA on numerous occasions during the past two weeks.

“We are impressed our efforts have made such a difference. By bringing the concerns of producers directly to the USDA staff, we were capable of making immediate changes to the program. These clarifications will make drought relief funding available to literally thousands more producers,” says Bryan Dierlam, NCBA director of legislative affairs.

The 2002 Livestock Compensation Program was announced on September 19^th and provides drought assistance to eligible livestock owners who are suffering from disaster conditions due to the ongoing drought. 

As soon as sign-up for the program began this month, numerous individual NCBA members and state affiliates questioned some of the restrictive details of the programs.

“The feedback was extremely beneficial,” said Iowa cattle producer and NCBA president Wythe Willey.  “The program needed some adjustments to assure that the money was going to those in need of assistance.”

The major changes included a clarification of the definition of a “livestock headquarter operation,” and changes that allow custom operators to qualify for the program on the portion of the livestock that they own. For full details of the changes, the clarification notice can be found on the USDA web site at www.fsa.usda.gov or by contacting NCBA’s Washington office at 202-347-0228.

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