Sign On for Livestock Compensation Program Payments

Sign-up for the $752 million federal Livestock Compensation Program began Oct. 1 at local Farm Service Agency offices.  Payments are for producers in counties declared a disaster and for livestock held as of June 1, 2002.  The payments are available for all ruminant, or grass-eating, animals, including beef, dairy, buffalo, beefalo, sheep and goats, but not horses.

Ranchers and farmers will be paid $18 per head for adult beef cattle and $31.50 per head for adult dairy cattle. The payment for young stock weighing over 500 pounds is $13.50 per head. Young livestock includes heifers saved as herd replacements and stocker cattle being backgrounded for the feedlot.

Payment amounts will depend on the number of head of livestock on hand June 1 and held for 90 days before or after that date. 

For information, contact your local USDA Service Center or FSA office.  Specific information can be obtained on USDA’s website at http://www.usda.gov/.