Klamath County has now been designated as a D2 drought — or severe drought county — for more than four weeks, which classifies eligible residents for recouping the cost of buying extra feed or hauling more water than initially planned, according to the FSA.

“We’re the extreme,” said Laura Hall, executive director of the FSA in Klamath County. “Tomorrow (Thursday) numbers come out again so we’ll see what kind of numbers come along.

Given the dry weather, Hall said if anything changes, the extreme nature of the drought could increase.

“If, for some reason, we go back to a lower rating, that doesn’t mean that people are no longer eligible,” Hall said. “We already hit our mark.”

Farm Bill authorization

The 2014 Farm Bill authorized the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFDP) to compensate livestock owners for financial losses associated with grazing during a drought, and is completely separate from other federal aid programs, according to Hall.

“Our U.S. Drought monitor … had been increasing, and then two weeks ago, it hit a more extreme level and so we’re starting to get producers in and get them signed up for a program,” Hall said.

“We are a recovery agency, so even though we are in the midst of a drought, because it’s ongoing, we are able to provide aid in the middle. But generally, the disaster has to happen first.”

The programs are the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFDP) and an emergency livestock assistance program, as well as a program for those needing to feed extra animals beyond what you would in a normal year, Hall said.

“We also opened up for any extra costs incurred for hauling water where you don’t normally need to haul water,” Hall said.

“It’s mostly to recoup some of the lost grazing because of the drought, and to help keep everybody afloat during the tougher dry season.”

About one dozen individuals have submitted applications at the FSA office so far, Hall said.

Aid is eligible on a producer-by-producer basis and depends on the operation.

“It is based either on the grazing ground you control or the head of livestock you have,” Hall said. “So it’s specifically for your costs, which is nice.”

Those seeking to apply should call the FSA to set an appointment or stop by to pick up a packet.

“What we need from people is any leases or ownership records that we might not have on file,” Hall said, in addition to livestock numbers.

The drought monitor ends Oct. 15 at the completion of the livestock grazing season, Hall said.

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Applications Open for FSA Livestock Assistance for Drought (H&N)