Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 11:00am
(Palmer, AK) – The Alaska Division of Agriculture will continue to accept applications through Dec. 31, 2022 to help commercial livestock farmers offset the recent high cost of animal feed.
The Food Security Cost Assistance program has funds available for producers that operate a livestock farming business in good standing with the State.
A spring dry spell followed by nearly nonstop precipitation in the summer and fall caused a shortage in local feed stocks, while the current 40-year high of inflation drove up the costs of imported feed.
Eligible livestock includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, poultry, reindeer, elk, bison, yak, and other animals raised for human consumption (including eggs, milk, and cheese) on a farm that operates as a business.
Feed purchased from Aug. 1, 2022 – Nov. 30, 2022 is eligible, with the reimbursement rates determined after all applications are processed.
More information on the eligibility requirements can be found on the application.
This initial aid package is funded through the Governor’s Office of Food Security authorizing the recent transfer of $1 million in appropriated food security funds from the Department of Fish and Game to the Department of Natural Resources.
The Dunleavy administration plans to keep working with State agencies and legislators to provide additional financial support to feed producers, retailers and end users/consumers in support of food security for Alaskans.
"There's no doubt that this year's weather and the inflationary pressure of fuel and fertilizer prices have created tremendous challenges for our farmers and livestock producers," said Governor Mike Dunleavy. "I want to thank the Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Game, and the Division of Agriculture for moving forward with this initial aid package. Food security is a top priority for my administration, and that means supporting our local producers now so they may continue to provide food to Alaskans in the future."
In 2021, animal and animal product sales in Alaska totaled $7.2M (USDA NASS); cash receipts for cattle increased ~150% between 2017 and 2020
As of 2017 (most recent USDA census), Alaska had 118 cattle farms, 64 hog farms, 122 sheep, lamb and goat farms, 189 poultry and egg farms, and 114 other/specialty farms
Also according to 2017 USDA census, about 18,000 head of cattle in state, about 1,900 head of hogs
22 farms with more than 50 head of cattle, 3 with more than 50 head of hogs, and 41 poultry operations with more than 50 birds
2017 livestock production was 1,554 metric tons of cattle and 540 metric tons of hog
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<br /> Winds are from the Southeast at 25.3 gusting to 31.1 MPH (22 gusting to 27 KT). The pressure is 1002.2 mb and the humidity is 86%. The wind chill is 24. Last Updated on Jan 19 2023, 5:53 am AKST. 
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Livestock feed aid applications due December 31 – kinyradio.com
