TEXAS FARMERS AND RANCHERS CAN GET FEDERAL DISASTER RELIEF

  

Eligible farmers and ranchers can now sign up for the U.S. Department of Agriculture  for disaster assistance in light of the severe drought the face endured for the past three years.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement saying the funds are now available thanks to the passage of the Farm Bill for 2014.

Depending on the size and type of farm or ranch operation, eligible producers can enroll in one of four programs administered by the Farm Service Agency. 

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the Livestock Indemnity Program will provide payment to eligible producers for livestock deaths and grazing losses that have occurred since the expiration of the livestock disaster assistance programs since 2011.

The Emergency Assistance for For Livestock Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program provides for emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees and farm raised fish that have suffered lossess because of disease, severe weather, blizzards and wildfires.

Enrollment also has begun for the Tree Assistance Program which provides financial assistance to qualifying  orchardists and nursery tree growers to replant ot rehabilitate trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters.

Producers enrolling in these programs are encouraged to contract their local FSA offices for information on the types of records needed to schedule an appointment.

For that information review the 2014 Farm Bill Fact Sheet  and the TAP FACT Sheets  on line.  www.fsa.usda.gov/tx.