Livestock payment program relief for Sevier Co.

Livestock producers who suffered feed loss as a result of drought conditions in Sevier County are eligible for the Livestock Compensation Program, according to Dwayne Hodges, Chairman of the Sevier FSA Committee. The program provides direct payments per head. To be eligible producers must have owned livestock for at least 90 days as of June 1, 2002. Hodges said, livestock meeting the ownership requirements that have been sold or died since June 1, 2002 would still be eligible for payment. Payment rates per head in the program are: adult beef cattle, buffalo, and beefalo (cows & bulls) - $18.00; beef, dairy, buffalo, and beefalo replacement heifers, steers, heifers and bulls (weighing 500 lbs or more by June 1) $13.50; adult dairy cows (cows & bulls) - $31.50; sheep, and goats (all) - $4.50. To sign up in the program, producers will need to turn in the total number of head in each of the above categories. Mr. Hodges said, the Livestock Compensation Program final sign-up date has not been announced by the agency. He encourages all eligible livestock owners to visit the Sevier County FSA Office and participate in the program. For more information or to request assistance, visit the FSA Office or call 453-4664 Extension 2. Farm Service Agency programs or activities are conducted on a non-discriminority basis with out regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex , marital status or disability.