Farmers to get payouts

Farmers waiting on payouts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their participation in an insurance program for grazing losses can expect to see the money as early as Friday, according to a rep for U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.

After payments for USDA's Farm Service Agency Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program ceased on March 1 due to the sequester, New Mexico Cattle Growers Association Executive Director Caren Cowan said farmers pressured USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to move funds around so that the program can continue, especially after farmers had already paid into it.

"We learned this morning that payments will be turned back on (today) and producers should begin getting paid as early as Friday," said Marissa Padilla, communications director for Udall's office.

The NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters.

The program costs range from $250 and $1,875, depending on the number of crops grown and counties where they have farming interests.