09/06/05 Signup deadlines near

There's an important deadline for producers who suffered crop or livestock losses in 2003 or 2004. They must signup for the Crop Disaster Program by this Friday, September 9th. Wayne Hammon is the State Director for the Farm Service Agency and he says the losses must be due to weather related conditions like freeze or drought. HAMMON "And that's the last authorized federal disaster program. There isn't one for the current year yet authorized by Congress and so if you had any losses at all in either 2003 or 2004, quality losses or quantity losses, it's a good idea to just check in the office and make sure they've got all of your paperwork straightened out, that you signed an application." Qualifying sugar beet losses are included in this disaster program which is a benefit to many Idaho specialty crop producers. But it doesn't end with crops. Livestock losses are also eligible for disaster assistance under a separate program, but again, the signup deadline is September 9th. HAMMON "2003, 2004. They have to show that they lost, had a loss in feed or that their feed price went up, that types of things. We'll work out the paperwork with them." With time running out, if you have questions contact your local Farm Service Agency office right away. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott