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The Agricultural Act of 2014 (the Act), also known as the 2014 Farm Bill, was signed by President Obama on Feb. 7, 2014. The Act repeals certain programs, continues some programs with modifications, and authorizes several new programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Most of these programs are authorized and funded through 2018.
For the latest on 2014 Farm Bill programs administered by FSA, please visit our Farm Bill website at www.fsa.usda.gov/farmbill and for an FSA program overview please read, download and/or print our recently posted FSA Farm Bill Fact Sheet titled, "What's in the 2014 Farm Bill for Farm Service Agency Customers?".

MILC relief period announced for production start-month
The Agricultural Act of 2014 authorizes MILC through the earlier of the date the Margin Protection Program for dairy producers is implemented, or Sept. 1, 2014. Dairy producers who are currently enrolled do not need to re-apply.

Relief period for production start-month
During the period beginning April 14, 2014 through close of business on May 30, 2014, Fiscal Year 2014 (Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014) production start month selection changes on CCC-580M will be accepted. The CCC-580's MILC application may be accepted during the relief period for producers with new dairy operations before April 14, 2014. During the authorized relief period the production start month selected may be any month in fiscal year 2014 (beginning October 2013) and start month selection provision do not apply. After the authorized relief period for FY 2014, beginning June 2, 2014, all production start month changes must be made according to normal start month selection provision.
Producers must have the following forms on file with FSA: AD-1026, "Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification"; SF-1199A, "Direct Deposit Sign-up Form"; and CCC-901 or 902Form, "Members Information or Farm Operating Plan."

Livestock Indemnity Payments (LIP) and Livestock Forage Program (LFP)
The 2014 Farm Bill makes the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) permanent programs and provides retroactive authority to cover eligible losses back to Oct. 1, 2011.
LFP provides compensation to eligible producers who suffered grazing losses due to drought and fire. LIP provides compensation to livestock producers who suffered livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators.
USDA is determined to make implementing the livestock disaster programs a top priority. Sign-up for livestock disaster assistance programs begins on April 15, 2014.
As USDA begins implementing the livestock disaster assistance programs, producers should record all pertinent information of natural disaster consequences, including:
• Documentation of the number and kind of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses.
• Dates of death supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts.
• Costs of transporting livestock to safer grounds or to move animals to new pastures.
• Feed purchases if supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed.
• Crop records, including seed and fertilizer purchases, planting and production records.
Additional information regarding LFP, LIP or other FSA programs can be found by visiting a nearby FSA Service Center or online at fsa.usda.gov.[[In-content Ad]]

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