A couple of weeks ago I had conversation with several State of Indiana Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees. I was being proactive learning about financial opportunities for livestock producers in case continuation of dry weather conditions prevailed and there was more negative impact on pasture availability and water supply. It was stated that for any financial assistance from the programs, that pasture and hay, as with all crops, must be noted as part of the 2023 acreage with the county FSA office by July 15.
The picture of a pond that has no water was taken at the Feldun-Purdue Agricultural Center during the 2012 drought. Financial assistance through the Farm Service Agency may be available to producers with livestock enterprises in areas experiencing a lengthy or extreme drought.(Photo Credit: Keith Johnson)
Fortunately, areas of Indiana have been receiving some rainfall that will reduce the likelihood of the FSA programs being a consideration, but for those that have been at D2 (Severe Drought designation) for many weeks, and if dry weather persists for another month, it would be wise to keep in contact with their county FSA personnel. I will not reiterate the information in the links below with text in the article, but encourage those that are in very dry areas to read the fact sheets.
LFP – Livestock Forage Disaster Program
Information Fact Sheet
Electronic Fillable Application Form
https://irp.cdn-website.com/4cf33c6f/files/uploaded/CCC0853-2021.pdf
ELAP – Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program
Information Fact Sheet
Electronic Fillable Application Form
https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/efcommon/eFileServices/eForms/CCC851-851A.PDF
An aside – Monitoring the health of your livestock is always important – hot or cold; low humidity or high humidity; wet or dry. During this problematic summer, continue to provide cool and clean water, shade if possible, and feed sources that meet livestock nutritional needs.
