Montana Livestock Disaster Program Effective Today

July 13, 2009

A federal program to compensate Montana ranchers for livestock losses due to natural disasters takes effect today.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said Farm Service Agency county offices across the state will be accepting applications soon.

Spring snow storms, especially three consecutive snowstorms in southeastern Montana, caused the death of thousands of cattle and at least 500 sheep.

Baucus included the disaster assistance in the 2008 Farm Bill. The money is included in the Agricultural Disaster Relief Trust Fund.