Coffee Shop Talk with Daviess County FSA

Hi folks! Thanks for reading the February Edition of Coffee Shop Talk! The weather in 2021 has started out with a few extremes but hopefully we are out of the woods and each day we are getting a little closer to spring. We hope everyone was able to withstand the bitter cold last week. I know it brought many challenges to livestock producers. I want to remind everyone of the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), which provides assistance for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather events. Documentation is key with this program, so if you are a livestock producer, here are some of the details you need to know:

For 2021 livestock losses, you must file a notice of loss to FSA staff via phone, email or in person within 30 calendar days of when the loss is first apparent. Below is a partial list of what may be provided as supporting documentation to your local FSA office.

• Proof of death documentation
  •  Dated Photos, Vet Records, Insurance documentation, 3rd party certification, etc.
• Proof of beginning inventory and inventory at each loss event
  • Calving book/records, vet records, property tax records, balance sheets, chattel inspections, loan documents, sales or purchase receipts, etc.

In 2021 Missouri FSA established normal mortality rates for each type and weight range of eligible livestock, i.e. Non-Adult Beef Cattle (less than 400 pounds) = 5%; Non-Adult Beef Cattle (400-799 lbs.) = 3%; Adult Beef Cow = 1.5%; The established percentages reflect losses that are considered expected or typical under “normal” conditions. The LIP program runs on a calendar year, so all losses throughout the year should be documented and those losses attributed to weather could be compensated while other losses to disease or illness will count towards the normal mortality percentage.

The General CRP Signup 56 signup period has been extended, which had previously been announced as ending on Feb. 12. USDA will continue to accept offers and evaluate ways to increase enrollment. The program, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides annual rental payments for 10 to 15 years for land devoted to conservation purposes, as well as other types of payments. Before the General CRP signup period ends, producers will have the opportunity to adjust or resubmit their offers to take advantage of planned improvements to the program.

Keeping records current – This is the time of year when many leases are renewed or revisited. Landowners, if your farm is having a change in operators for the 2020 crop year, please let us know so we can update your records. Operators, if you are changing farms or how you are going to operate this year, please let us know as soon as possible. This includes bank account changes, creating an entity or making changes to an existing one, purchasing or selling ground, renting new farms, etc.

Other upcoming deadlines:

Feb. 26- CFAP 2 Additional Assistance and added commodities
March 5 – Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program
March 15- Enroll in 2021 ARC PLC

Finally, our office operations status has not changed. We are open for business by phone, mail, email, or drive-up window only. Feel free to call 660-663-3703 or email: [email protected], if we can assist you.

Take care and be safe,

Mandi Bird
County Executive Director