Livestock disaster program signup begins April 15

Enrollment for the disaster programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, including the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) will begin by April 15, 2014.

In preparation for making an application for LIP, producers should be compiling such records as dates of livestock deaths, beginning and ending inventories for each applicable year, calving records, adverse weather events, etc.

In preparation for making an LFP application, producers should compile data including, but not limited to: legal descriptions where eligible livestock were grazing, dates when grazing occurred on eligible pasture/rangeland and number of livestock grazing. In addition, producers may have to file an acreage report on eligible pasture/rangeland as part of the application process.

Farmers and ranchers should ensure their farm records and business structures are current at their local FSA Office prior to making application for either program.

While any producer may report farm records and business structure changes, it is especially important for producers who suffered livestock, livestock grazing, honeybee, farm-raised fish, or tree/vine losses for 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014, and may be eligible for assistance through one of the four disaster programs.