Sheep, lamb producers offered benefit plan

BANGOR – Sheep producers can apply at their local Farm Service Agency for year-three benefits under the Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program. The deadline for application is Aug. 15.

The four-year lamb program is designed to provide direct cash payment to help farmers improve production efficiency and marketability of lamb meat.

Eligible sheep and lamb producers may apply for a ewe lamb incentive payment in addition to payments for slaughter and feeder lambs.

Ewe lambs must be free of parrot mouth, foot rot and scrapie. Lambs shown at fairs or sold to another producer must be identified according to state identification requirements that comply with a United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service approved scrapie program for interstate movement.

Sheep producers should contact their local U.S. Government Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency office for additional program provisions and eligibility requirements.

The number for the Bangor office is 947-3555, Ext. 2.