BANGOR – William Moirs, executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Maine-Penobscot County, reminds producers that sign-up ends Jan. 13 for the $18 million Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Payment Program, which pays producers to replace and retain ewe lamb breeding stock.

“By increasing the value and number of domestic lambs, this program will help our nation’s sheep operations achieve sustained market competitiveness, while respecting international trade obligations,” Moirs said.

Ewe lamb program payments are expected to begin in mid-January. Subject to the availability of funds, producers will receive $18 for each qualifying ewe lamb retained or purchased for breeding purposes during a specified period.

An eligible producer must have purchased or retained ewe lambs between Aug. 1, 2003, and July 31, 2004, and must have retained qualifying lambs in the herd for at least one complete offspring lambing cycle. The producer must not have received funds under the Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program for the same ewe lamb.

During that same period, ewe lambs must not have been older than 18 months, and must not have produced an offspring.

Apply for the Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Program by completing FSA-384, available at local USDA FSA offices and at www.fsa.usda.gov. Click on “price supports.”