Daily News Update, Feb. 1, 2008

Disaster assistance update

USDA announced Jan. 25 that eligible farmers and ranchers who suffered livestock, livestock feed and crop losses that occurred before Dec. 31, 2007, can apply to receive disaster payments.

On Dec. 26, 2007, President Bush signed the final consolidated Appropriations Bill, which contained language extending the eligibility dates for producers affected by natural disasters to Dec. 31, 2007.

Additionally, $3 billion was allocated for agriculture disaster assistance in the Emergency Supplemental Bill passed in May 2007.

Producers can apply for disaster payments under the Livestock Compensation Program and Livestock Indemnity Program.

More information is available online at: http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.