USDA has begun making payments for 1998 grazing losses from natural disasters under the $200 million Livestock Assistance Program.  Payments will be made to more than 167,000 livestock producers in 31 states, based on reimbursements for part of the value of grazing losses.

The losses were suffered during a minimum of three months where at least a 40% grazing loss occurred.  Payments are being made a the rate of 22.1% of the calculated supplemental feed needed to offset the grazing loss.

A producer may receive the livestock benefits  and also receive benefits under any other program administered by USDA for grazing losses.  Payments are being made by USDA's Farm Service Agency.