By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Some Alabama farmers that had been forced to sell of mature cattle in drought-stricken areas will be offered some assistance in recovering the losses. According to state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, the application process starts today and ends October 18th. Farmers with eligible livestock will be offered direct payments from the U-S-D-A's Livestock Assistance Program to help offset the losses. Applications will be available online at the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Web site and at the following agencies:
- ALFA Insurance offices
- Farm Service Agency offices
- Natural Resources Conservation Service offices
- County Agent and Extension Service offices
- Stockyards
Sparks said farmers in 31 counties are eligible for the assistance.