The U . S . Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Executive Director Wendy Shumaker in Coshocton County announced FSA is now accepting applications for the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for grazing losses due to drought . The deadline to apply for 2024 LFP assistance is Jan . 31 , 2025 .

LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash-leased land or fire on federally managed land . For LFP , qualifying drought intensity levels are determined using the U . S . Drought Monitor .

Producers in Coshocton County are eligible to apply for 2024 LFP benefits for grazing losses on native pasture and improved pasture mixed forage . Visit the FSA LFP website for a full list of eligible counties and pasture types .

Livestock eligible for LFP include alpacas , beef cattle , bison , buffalo , beefalo , dairy cattle , deer , elk , emus , equine , goats , llamas , ostriches , reindeer or sheep that have been or would have been grazing the eligible grazing land or pastureland . Recently , FSA updated LFP policy to expand program eligibility to include additional income producing grazing animals , like horses and ostrich , that

contribute to the commercial viability of an agricultural operation .

Livestock used for hunting and consumption by the owner and horses and other animals that are used or intended to be used for racing and wagering remain ineligible .

Producers who want to participate in many USDA programs must file timely acreage reports by filling out the FSA-578 form to remain eligible for program benefits . Livestock producers interested in applying for LFP should call the Coshocton County FSA at 740-622-8087 ext . 2 with any questions about the eligibility of specific livestock and forage crops .

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Volunteers from the Our Town Coshocton Board and Promotions Committee took time out of their day to decorate the Christmas tree on Court Square . The group is excited to have a live Christmas tree that ’ ll continue to grow each year with the community .