Livestock producers with certain animal losses due to the coronavirus pandemic have extra time to file for offsetting funds through the federal government.
The US Department of Agriculture has extended its application deadline for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program from Sept. 17 to Oct. 12. Producers can apply for funding to offset the costs of animal losses, “depopulation” and disposal costs as well.
The program, part of the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, gives producers 80 percent of fair market value for both livestock and poultry lost between March 1 and Dec. 26, 2020. Eligible livestock in this program includes hogs, chickens and turkeys.
Other USDA initiatives through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers venture have application deadlines coming up next month:
*Oct. 12 is also the deadline for farmers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program No. 2, which helps farmers who dealt with market disruptions due to COVID-19. Livestock, poultry, dairy, row crops and specialty crops are eligible for funding.
*Oct. 15 is the deadline for Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers, offering relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19 last year.
For more information about these programs, go online to www.farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance.
