ftp://ftp.fsa.usda.gov/public/notices/LD_547.pdf
Here is a fairly quick summary of the program from the Northeast Sheep and Goat Marketing Program at http://www.sheepgoatmarketing.org/sgm/news/ewelamb.htm:
Syracuse, NY Feb. 19, 2004 --USDA is launching a new $18 million program to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic lamb and sheep industry and re-establish producers' purchasing power. The Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Program will pay producers $18 per head for ewe lambs purchased or retained between Aug. 1, 2003 , and July 31, 2004 .
Ron Robbins, executive director of the New York Farm Service Agency, said in addition to meeting the purchase-retention dates, producers must retain qualifying ewe lambs for at least one complete offspring lambing cycle.
"Adequate record keeping is a must for this program," Robbins said. "Producers should keep records such as sale receipts as proof of purchase and retention, veterinarian certifications as proof of ewe lamb characteristics and scrapie program forms."
Documentation must disclose the dates of lamb purchase, birth and death, if applicable; lamb identification and control information; the number of ewe lambs purchased; and identification with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved scrapie program.
Scrapie is a degenerative disease of sheep and goats that affects the central nervous system. APHIS conducts a voluntary scrapie flock certification program to certify scrapie-free herds.
The application period has not yet been announced. The application dates will be available through your local FSA office or on the web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/edso/statedefault.htm.
Since funding for the program is limited to $18 million, the $18 payment rate will be subject to available funds.
Carol Elkins Critterhaven Estate Registered Barbados Blackbelly Hair Sheep (no shear, no dock, no fuss) Pueblo, Colorado http://www.critterhaven.biz T-shirts, mugs, caps, and more at the Barbados Blackbelly Online Store http://www.cafepress.com/blackbellysheep
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