South Dakota Senator John Thune has written to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting administrative changes to the Livestock Indemnity Program that would result in more acceptable and timely assistance. South Dakota Stockgrowers Association Executive Director Silvia Christen says the recommendations make sense and if approved will help producers get payments quicker and more efficiently.
Thune requested FSA allow a certification or statement from a licensed
veterinarian that livestock death losses are due to a weather-related cause. Christen says that would be helpful.
Thune also wants FSA to give final LIP approval authority to FSA State Committees after they have been approved by County Committees. Christen says that’s a good idea because they understand what producers experienced with storms.
Senator Thune’s legislation would also get Livestock Forage Program Assistance to farmers and ranchers twice as fast. It makes a technical correction to federal law to allow greater flexibility when grazing on National Forest Grasslands.
