Livestock producers can signup for the 2008 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) through December 10, 2009. The program compensates livestock owners for 2008 grazing losses that occurred in 27 North Dakota counties, according to Aaron Krauter, State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency.

LFP is available in the North Dakota counties that were identified on the U.S. Drought Monitor as having a D3 (Extreme) drought during the 2008 grazing season. The eligible counties are west of and including the following counties: Cavalier, Pierce, Sheridan, Oliver, Morton, Grant and Adams. The payment rates are up to $36 per beef cow in the 5 most eastern eligible counties and up to $54 per beef cow in other 22 counties. The payment amount is based on the duration of the drought.

Livestock producers with grazing land in the eligible counties may file applications at the local FSA office. The applicant will be required to identify owned and leased grazing land and certify inventory of grazing livestock.

The applicant must have had a policy or plan of insurance or have Noninsured Assistance Program coverage on the grazing land incurring the 2008 loss. This requirement is waived for producers who meet the requirements of socially disadvantaged, limited resources or beginning farmer or rancher.

North Dakota livestock producers and beekeepers that suffered losses due to weather related events or colony collapse disorder beginning January 1, 2008, may be eligible for benefits under ELAP, according to Aaron Krauter, State Executive Director for Farm Service Agency.

ELAP covers losses that are not covered by other USDA programs. Eligible losses may include feed that was purchased or produced and later was destroyed by adverse weather or wildfire, short term loss of grazing because of reasons other than drought and additional costs incurred for providing or transporting feed to livestock.

Applications are filed by calendar year. Applications for 2008 losses must be completed by December 10, 2009. Producers that had 2009 losses must file a notice of loss by December 10, 2009 and complete the application by January 30, 2010.

The applicant must have had a policy or plan of insurance or have Noninsured Assistance Program coverage on all crops for the year benefits are requested. This requirement is waived for producers who meet the requirements of socially disadvantaged, limited resources or beginning farmer or rancher.