Farm Briefs

Jan. 31 is deadline  for livestock losses

Qualified Illinois livestock owners with 2010 losses must file an application for payment no later than Jan. 31, according to Farm Service Agency officials.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides assistance to eligible livestock owners and contract growers for eligible livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather,  including losses due to floods, blizzards, disease, wildfires, extreme heat and extreme cold.

For 2010 losses, producers must file a notice of loss no later than 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is apparent. A notice of loss can be reported to the office by phone, fax or e-mail. Eligible livestock deaths must have occurred in the calendar year for which benefits are being requested. An application for payment may be filed at any time in 2010, but must be filed no later than 30 calendar days after the end of the year in which the loss of livestock occurred.

For 2010 losses, the application for payment must be filed no later than Jan. 31, 2011.

Contact the office for additional eligibility requirements. A list of eligible livestock is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mt.

Emergency aid deadline Jan. 31

Agriculture producers have until Monday, Jan. 31, to submit an application for payment under the 2010 Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP).

ELAP provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm-raised fish who have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including losses due to blizzards and wildfires.

A list of eligible livestock is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/mt. Contact the local county FSA office for more information regarding ELAP.