WCA: Producers That Lost Cows Need To Act Now

The February storms were very hard on producers across the Northwest, especially livestock producers.  Cattle producers that lost animals during last month’s storm have options to try and offset their losses, but time is running out.

Sarah Ryan, Executive Vice President of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association said those who reported losses need to contact their local FSA office to file a notice of loss form.  She said it’s a very simple process that can be done over the phone, but needs to be completed by the end of this week.  From there, once the weather improves and cattle are grazing, work with the FSA to finish the Livestock Indemnity Program application.

“And they will pay on a percentage of all of the calves that are lost. And you can work with the FSA office to find out exactly what they are going to require, but things like your preg check data and say, ‘OK, on this date, I had this many cows that were pregnant and at this point, be in branding weaning, whatever, I only have this many calves in my herd from what I expected’.”

Ryan said in addition to that, the FSA is working to open up the Emergency Livestock Assistant Program, ELAP, which focuses on feed.  Ryan noted we are entering a feed situation that nobody anticipated.

“Cattle that would normally go out on grass, the end of March the first of April, and be done needing fed, are now going to be middle of April at best before they are out on fresh feed and not needing to be fed.  The FSA will pay 60% of the feed that is purchased over and above what you would have purchased for the past two years.”

Again, producers have 30 days after the February 9^th storm to start their paperwork.  Click Here to find the FSA Office in your community.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com