Livestock producers in Evangeline Parish may be eligible for a payment due to drought conditions, according to Robert Helmer, County Executive Director for the Evangeline Parish FSA Office.

The 2008 Farm Bill authorized the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) to provide compensation to eligible livestock producers that have suffered grazing losses for covered livestock on land that is native or improved pastureland with permanent vegetative cover or is planted specifically for grazing. The grazing losses must be due to a qualifying drought condition during the normal grazing period for the parish, stated Helmer.

To be eligible to earn LFP benefits, producers must have purchased 2011 Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for the grazing land on which the eligible grazing loss occurred. Eligible livestock producers who meet the definition of “Socially Disadvantaged”, “Limited Resource”, or “Beginning Farmer” do not have to meet the NAP purchase requirement. It should be noted that for this program, the definition of beginning farmer is one who has not owned or operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years, Helmer said. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2011.

Interested producers may visit the Evangeline office at 205 Court Street, Ville Platte, La, or call 337-363-6602 ext.2.