ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota livestock producers can submit notices of animal loss and apply for payment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) disaster programs, which were reinstated with the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. Funding is retroactive and covers some losses back to October, 2011. Claims from past years must have proper documentation to receive funding, which may include photos, ownership records or purchase and transportation receipts.
“With funding restored, now is the time to act. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has been encouraging producers over the last few years to document all losses pending this return in funding of livestock assistance programs. We encourage producers to connect with their local Minnesota FSA to seek reimbursement,” said MDA livestock development supervisor, Curt Zimmerman.
The reimbursements cover several areas of livestock and are broken down into three categories:
Livestock Indemnity Program: pays producer for livestock deaths dating back to October, 2011 caused by adverse weather or attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government. Deadline to submit a notice of loss and application for payment is January 30, 2015.
Livestock Forage Program: pays producer for livestock losses due to drought or fire on pastureland planted specifically for grazing, dating back to October, 2011. Deadline to submit a notice of loss and application for payment is January 30, 2015.
Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program: provides producer assistance for eligible losses due to disease and weather conditions not covered in the Forage or Indemnity Programs. These losses are covered dating back to 2012 and deadline to submit a notice of loss and application for payment is August 1, 2014.
Source: Minnesota Department of Agriculture