Disaster benefits deadline nears

Soybean growers with losses in 2009 in disaster designated counties have until Dec. 9 to apply for benefits through the Crop Assistance Program.

The Crop Assistance Program makes payments to producers who grew soybeans and can certify to a 5 percent or greater loss in production or quality due to excessive moisture or related conditions in 2009. Twenty-four counties in North Dakota are eligible for the program. A complete list of eligible counties is available at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov. Producers must contact their local county office to apply for payment through the program.

Soybean producers will be paid at a maximum payment rate of $15.62 per acre. Payments will be prorated to stay within available funds for the program. Producers will initially receive 75 percent of their CAP payment; when signup is complete they will receive up to an additional 25 percent.

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