Livestock producers who have been battling drought conditions can now apply for USDA’s Livestock Forage Program. Forty-eight North Dakota counties are eligible for three payments through the program.”It provides payments to eligible owners and contract growers who’ve suffered grazing losses due to a qualifying drought,” says Wanda Braton, program director, North Dakota Farm Service Agency. “Producers who’ve been in a D2 drought status or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor are eligible.” The application is available through county FSA offices. Producers will need to certify pastureland acres, current livestock inventory numbers and provide a lease agreement, if applicable. Additionally, an estimated payment calculator is available from NDSU Extension. Listen to the story.