Livestock Assistance Grants for Seven Counties
In August 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of drought assistance grants for livestock owners in counties that experienced D-3 or D-4 drought conditions based on the U.S. Drought Monitor maps published between March 7 and August 31, 2006. Seven Montana counties qualify: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Fallon, Powder River and Rosebud. Under an agreement with USDA, Montana will distribute $933,443 to eligible producers in these counties. See news release.
To apply, livestock owners who pastured cattle, bison, horses or sheep in an eligible county during the above period must complete a one-page application form after reading the Program Fact Sheet and the agreement between the department and the USDA Farm Service Agency. Applicants also must read and sign a Producer Release and Indemnification Agreement with the state.
Applications are available from MSU and Reservation Extension Service offices in the eligible counties, and must be submitted for review to the appropriate Extension Service office by 5 p.m. on November 28, 2006.
Copies can be downloaded from the links below before visiting an Extension Service Office.
Program Fact Sheet
FSA Agreement with
the State
Application Form
Producer Release and Indemnification
Questions about the process can be directed to MSU and Reservation Extension Service agents or to Andy Gray, Montana Department of Agriculture program manager, by email at: agr@mt.gov or by phone at (406) 444-3730.
Link to additional information on USDA disaster assistance programs.
