Panhandle farmers, livestock producers may be eligible for USDA drought assistance
Ranchers and livestock producers in the Texas Panhandle may be eligible for drought assistance, the Texas Department of Agriculture announced Friday. (File Photo)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KVII) — Ranchers and livestock producers in the Texas Panhandle may be eligible for drought assistance, the Texas Department of Agriculture announced Friday.
According to the USDA, many Texas counties recently met drought qualifications to receive assistance through the 2018Livestock Forage Disaster Program. The program provides assistance with for covered livestock on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetation cover or certain crops planted specifically for grazing.
Qualifying drought ratings for the USDA Farm Service Agency Program are determined using the U.S. Drought Monitor on the USDA website.
Eligible livestockincludes alpacas, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, dairy cattle, deer, elk, emus, equine, goats, llamas, reindeer, or sheep that have been or would have been grazing the eligible acres during the normal grazing period.
Applications are required for 2018 losses. To expedite applications, producers who experienced losses in 2018 are encouraged to collect records documenting their losses. Supporting documents may include information related to grazing leases, federal grazing permits, contract grower agreements, and more.
“We encourage producers to contact their county office and make an appointment to learn more about applying for LFP and related program requirements,” said Gary Six, FSA state executive director in Texas.
FSA disaster assistance program information can also be found online at disaster.fsa.usda.gov. To apply for LFP, contact your local USDA service center.
