Since late 2011, livestock producers have endured weather disasters such as historic droughts, blizzards, floods and fires, awaiting Congressional enactment of a farm bill so that disaster assistance programs could resume.

When the 2014 Farm Bill was enacted into law this February, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack ensured that disaster programs were restarted in 60 days, by April 15, nearly 80 percent faster than our predecessors.

Five months later, USDA Farm Service Agency has approved more than 250,000 applications seeking assistance, exceeding Congressional estimates and more applications are expected.

To address demand, FSA has reassigned field employees, with many working overtime and weekends, so that livestock producers get the help they need and deserve.

For farmers who have suffered livestock forage or feed grazing losses in 2011, 2012, 2013 or 2014, the Livestock Forage Disaster Program may offer help. For ranchers who have not contacted FSA by Sept. 30, the Budget Control Act of 2011 passed by Congress requires USDA to reduce LFP payments by 7.3 percent beginning Oct. 1, the start of the federal fiscal year.

Farmers who have already registered with their FSA office for LFP assistance, or have an appointment scheduled, are not subject to the payment reduction. All others should register, request an appointment or begin an LFP application with the county FSA office by Sept. 30. Registration can be completed online at www.fsa.usda.gov/disaster-register.

To receive help from other programs like the Livestock Indemnity Program, the Tree Assistance Program, or the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), complete the full application before Sept. 30. Contact the local FSA office for more information.