Reminder: Livestock Producers Should Sign Up for Disaster Assistance Programs by Oct. 1

Producers who have suffered eligible disaster-related losses must secure assistance by Sept. 30, 2014. After that date, anyone seeking assistance will suffer a 7.3 percent reduction in the amount of disaster relief they can receive. The Budget Control Act passed by Congress in 2011 requires USDA to implement reductions of 7.3 percent to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in the new fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, 2014; however, producers seeking LFP support who have scheduled appointments with their local FSA office before Oct. 1, even if the appointment occurs after Oct.1, will not see reductions in the amount of disaster relief they receive. USDA is encouraging producers to register or request an appointment or begin a Livestock Forage Disaster Program application with their county FSA office before Oct. 1, 2014, to lock in the current zero percent sequestration rate. Read more.