Livestock disaster programs and taxes to be discussed at community gatherings

Rapid City — Ranch families are invited to attend any of four community gatherings to be held across western South Dakota on April 14 and 15 in Hermosa, Eagle Butte, Union Center and Interior for a free meal and information about livestock disaster programs. USDA has officially announced that producers will be able to sign up for Livestock Disaster Programs beginning on April 15 at Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices across the state.

FSA officials will provide details about reporting and documentation requirements, information about how the disaster programs will be administered, and answer questions from producers who may be eligible to apply for these programs. Accounting experts from Casey Peterson and Associates will also be in attendance to give a basic overview of potential tax implications from reporting losses and disaster payments.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) will provide payments to eligible producers for livestock deaths and grazing losses that have occurred since the expiration of the livestock disaster assistance programs in 2011, and including calendar years 2012, 2013, and 2014.

Community Gatherings will be held at the following locations:

• April 14: Eagle Butte, 6:30 p.m., LandMark Hall

• April 14: Hermosa, 6:30 p.m., Custer County Fairgrounds

• April 15: Union Center, 6:30 p.m., Central Meade Co. Community Center

• April 15: Interior, 6:30 p.m., Interior Volunteer Fire Hall