ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 18, 2009

FUNDS AVAILABLE TO HELP LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS

BISMARCK – Livestock producers who incurred certain extraordinary feed-related expenses or losses because of this year’s harsh winter or spring flooding may be eligible for compensation through the 2009 North Dakota Livestock Feed Transportation Program.  Funding for the program includes a United States Department of Agriculture grant with additional state funding provided by the North Dakota Legislature.

“If you had unusual losses of feed due to flooding, additional costs for transporting feed or had to pay extra for snow removal in order to reach feed or livestock, you may qualify for compensation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.

Goehring said the losses or costs must have been incurred between Jan. 1 and May 31, 2009 and must exceed 125 percent, in at least one of the categories, of the prior three-year average for the same time period.

The program does not cover the cost of purchased feed. Payments will be based on a per-head basis to producers who meet the established loss/cost criteria.

Producers must submit the applications via the Internet by June 15 at www.agdepartment.com.

Producers who do not have Internet access should be able to find a computer and assistance from North Dakota State University Extension Service offices, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, their lenders, local schools and libraries. Producers can email their questions about filling out the form to ndda@nd.gov.

Applicants randomly selected for audit and verification of information will receive a verification form to be signed by a non-related professional, such as an extension agent, lender, veterinarian or brand inspector, who is familiar with the applicant’s operation.

The funds will be distributed by August 15, following completion of the audit.

Since limited funding is available for the program, payments will likely be pro-rated with maximum payments based on the total requests received. Producers may not receive more assistance than their actual loss. Payments are generally considered taxable income. Due to the limited funds and processing costs, no payments of less than $100 will be made.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Jeff Knudson at (701) 328-4764 or joknudson@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.