[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10959-10968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-03841]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 38 / Wednesday, February 26, 2020 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 10959]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation

7 CFR 1416

[Docket No. FSA-2019-0011]
RIN 0560-AI50


Supplemental Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation and Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) 
amends the Agricultural Act of 2014 to make changes to the Supplemental 
Agricultural Disaster Assistance Programs, which include the Livestock 
Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), 
the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish 
Program (ELAP), and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). The rule 
includes changes required by the 2018 Farm Bill, as well as 
discretionary changes intended improve administration of the programs 
and clarify existing program requirements.

DATES: Effective: February 26, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Graham; telephone (202) 720-
7641, or email [email protected]. Persons with disabilities or 
who require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA 
Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The disaster assistance programs, payment limitations, and payment 
eligibility provisions in this rule are Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC) funded and are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). 
This final rule implements specific changes to the programs required by 
the 2018 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 115-334). This rule also makes minor 
clarifying amendments and corrections to the regulations in 7 CFR part 
1416.

Payment Limitation

    The 2018 Farm Bill removed ELAP from the combined $125,000 per year 
payment limitation with LFP, effectively removing the annual payment 
limitation for ELAP. LIP has no annual payment limitation as well 
because of changes made by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 
115-123). Accordingly, LFP is the only supplemental disaster program to 
have a $125,000 per person and legal entity program year payment 
limitation. However, the average adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation 
provisions in part 1400 of this chapter relating to limits on payments 
for persons or legal entities, excluding joint ventures and general 
partnerships, continue to apply to each applicant for ELAP, LFP, LIP, 
and TAP. Specifically, a person or legal entity with an AGI that 
exceeds $900,000 will not be eligible to receive benefits under 7 CFR 
part 1416. Further, the direct attribution provisions in 7 CFR part 
1400 apply to ELAP, LFP, LIP, and TAP.
    As required by the 2018 Farm Bill, effective with the 2019 and 
subsequent program years, direct or indirect payments to a person or 
legal entity under the LFP are limited to $125,000 per program year. 
The limitation does not apply to payments issued under ELAP, LIP, and 
TAP.

General Provisions

    The 2018 Farm Bill amends the definition of ``eligible producer on 
a farm'' to include an Indian Tribe or Tribal organization. This rule 
amends the definition in the regulation. Additionally, miscellaneous 
provisions are being amended to specify that in order to be eligible 
for benefits, participants must submit an accurate acreage report 
annually as required by applicable program provisions.

ELAP

    ELAP provides financial assistance to eligible producers of 
livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish for losses due to disease, 
certain adverse weather events, or loss conditions, including blizzards 
and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. ELAP assistance is 
provided for losses that are not covered by LFP and LIP.
    For ELAP, this rule makes mandatory changes to conform with the 
2018 Farm Bill to:
     Provide that a veteran farmer or rancher's payment will be 
calculated based on a national payment rate of 90 percent;
     Add assistance for costs related to inspection for cattle 
tick fever, regardless of findings from the inspection;
     Remove assistance for livestock death losses due to 
disease transmitted by vectors that cannot be controlled by vaccination 
or acceptable management practices, as the 2018 Farm Bill authorizes 
payments for these losses under LIP; and
     Provide that ELAP payments, beginning with the 2019 
program year, are not subject to an annual program payment limitation.
    In addition, FSA is making discretionary changes to ELAP for 
clarity and to improve program integrity. The definition of ``eligible 
winter storm'' is amended to be consistent with how this term is used 
for LIP. In order to be consistent with the LFP and ELAP provisions in 
Sec.  1416.104 and Sec.  1416.105, the definition of ``livestock 
owner'' is amended to specify that an owner must have legal ownership 
of the livestock for which ELAP benefits are being requested during the 
60 calendar days before the eligible adverse weather or eligible loss 
condition as opposed to only or just on the day of the eligible adverse 
weather or eligible loss condition. The definition of ``grazing 
animal'' is amended to clarify that unweaned livestock are not included 
in the definition. The program year for ELAP has always run as a fiscal 
year while the other disaster programs LFP, LIP and TAP had program 
years that were based on the calendar year. This rule amends the 2019 
and subsequent program years for ELAP; for 2019 the ELAP program year 
is from October 1, 2018, through December 31, 2019; for 2020 and 
subsequent years, the ELAP program year is the same as the calendar 
year, January 1 through December 31. This is for ease in program 
administration and for producers to better understand the program year 
for ELAP consistent with other similar disaster assistance programs. 
The change should not impact the extent of any producer's payment 
eligibility.

[[Page 10960]]

    This rule amends Sec.  1416.103 to include costs for transporting 
water for eligible adverse weather, as determined by the Deputy 
Administrator. Previously, only drought was an eligible condition for 
costs for transporting water. This change is being made to address the 
actual loss sustained by producers when an eligible disaster (not just 
drought) causes a loss for transport of water (water transportation 
costs that absent that disaster would not have been incurred by the 
eligible producer). As was the case for drought, the cost of water is 
not eligible. The program will not pay for transporting water to 
livestock on land enrolled in CRP.
    This rule amends Sec.  1416.104 to remove the eligibility 
requirement for contract growers that their income be dependent on 
survival of the livestock, which was sometimes being interpreted to 
require a contract grower to indemnify owners for livestock deaths. 
Contract growers have beneficial risk interest in livestock when their 
compensation is based on their inputs, which are subject to loss and 
performance of the livestock as specified in the contract grower's 
contract. While some contracts may make the contract grower liable for 
death of livestock, such a condition is not required in order for a 
contract grower to be able to show beneficial risk interest in the 
livestock. The intent is to specify that eligibility of contract 
growers is for those persons or legal entities who do not own the 
livestock, but who derive income from weight gain of livestock, 
production of livestock products, or number of livestock produced. This 
rule also removes a provision that eligible livestock must not have 
been in a feedlot on the beginning date of the eligible adverse weather 
or loss condition to be eligible under ELAP as the location of an 
owner's livestock on the beginning date of an eligible disaster is not 
relevant to whether an eligible loss has occurred for an owner's 
grazing animals.
    For program integrity, this rule specifies that a notice of loss 
for honeybee colony or honeybee hive losses must be accompanied by 
acceptable documentation to FSA that demonstrates that an eligible loss 
occurred and was associated with an eligible loss condition.
    This rule removes regulatory provisions that applied only to ELAP 
for prior program years.
    Further, consistent with the 15-day notice of loss period that 
applies to producers of honey under the Noninsured Crop Disaster 
Assistance Program, for honeybee losses the rule amends the notice of 
loss deadline for 2020 and subsequent program years to 15 days of when 
the loss is first apparent to the producer. For losses other than 
honeybee and honeybee hive losses, the notice of loss deadline remains 
at 30 days from the date loss is first apparent to the producer. This 
rule specifies that, in addition to all other existing eligibility 
requirements, that in the event a participant was paid for a loss of 
honeybee colony or honeybee hive in either or both of the previous 2 
years, the participant must provide, along with any notice of loss and 
application for payment in the current year, documentation acceptable 
to FSA substantiating beginning inventory for that current year for 
which the notice of loss and application for payment is being 
submitted. The rule specifies that, in addition to all other existing 
eligibility requirements, for honeybee colony losses due to Colony 
Collapse Disorder (CCD), the participant must provide a producer 
certification that the loss was a direct result of at least 3 of the 5 
symptoms of CCD. Further, in addition to the notice of loss required by 
Sec.  1416.107, this rule clarifies that an application for payment is 
due within 30 calendar days of the end of the applicable program year. 
This is not a change; however, with the change in program years, the 
regulation is amended to tie the application deadline to the program 
year.

LFP

    Other than the change made to payment limitations that removed ELAP 
from the combined $125,000 annual payment limit with LFP therefore 
making LFP the only supplemental disaster program subject to the 
$125,000 limit, the 2018 Farm Bill did not make changes to the LFP. 
However, consistent with other discretionary changes for clarity and 
program integrity, FSA is making the following changes in this rule.
    This rule clarifies Sec.  1416.201 to specify that eligible 
livestock owners or contract growers of livestock who are eligible 
producers of grazed forage crop acreage are eligible for LFP payment 
consideration. Persons or legal entities that are not both an eligible 
owner or contract grower of livestock and a producer of grazed forage 
are not eligible. This is not a change to existing policy, rather a 
clarification. This rule amends the definition of ``contract grower'' 
to remove the requirement that the contract grower's income be 
dependent on survival of the livestock, consistent with the intent of 
the program as well as with the ELAP provision covering contract 
growers. This rule amends the definition of ``grazing animals'' to make 
clear that unweaned animals are excluded (consistent with ELAP) from 
this definition and therefore ineligible for payment. This rule adds a 
definition for ``unweaned livestock''.
    This rule amends Sec.  1416.203 to clarify that as of the date of 
the qualifying drought or fire for LFP, the owner or contract grower of 
grazing animals must provide pastureland or grazing land for covered 
livestock that is physically located in a county affected by a 
qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the specific 
forage crop acreage in the county. This is not a change in policy, but 
rather a clarification in the regulatory text. Further, consistent with 
ELAP, this rule clarifies that livestock excluded from being eligible 
include livestock intended for consumption by the owner or contract 
grower. This rule also clarifies provisions in Sec.  1416.205 regarding 
grazing losses on irrigated land, which are not eligible for payment 
under LFP unless they are due to a lack of surface water as a result of 
a qualifying eligible drought condition. Finally, consistent with 
amendments to other subparts of part 1416, this rule removes provisions 
that were applicable to only prior program years.

LIP

    LIP provides benefits to livestock owners and contract growers for 
livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality or injured livestock 
sold at a reduced price caused by adverse weather or by attacks by 
animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government. LIP 
payments are equal to 75 percent of the average fair market value of 
the livestock. There is no payment limitation for LIP. The 2018 Farm 
Bill amends LIP to include coverage for:
    1. Death loss resulting from diseases caused by, or transmitted by, 
a vector that cannot be controlled by vaccination or acceptable 
management practices; and
    2. Death of unweaned livestock due to extreme cold and without 
regard to management protocols.
    FSA is amending the regulations to conform to the mandatory changes 
under the 2018 Farm Bill changes to:
     Amend eligible livestock losses to include death loss of 
unweaned livestock due to extreme cold, without regard to management 
practices, vaccination protocols, or lack of vaccinations by the 
eligible producer; and
     Amend the definition of ``eligible disease'' to include 
disease caused or transmitted by a vector and not be

[[Page 10961]]

susceptible to control by vaccination or acceptable management 
practices (this was previously an eligible loss under ELAP; it will now 
be covered under LIP together with any other eligible death loss of 
eligible livestock). With these amendments, compensation for eligible 
livestock deaths will only be under LIP.
    In addition, this rule makes minor discretionary changes to LIP to 
improve program integrity. FSA is amending Sec.  1416.302 to remove 
references to ``open range'' livestock. The term was previously used 
where the rule allowed for establishment of beginning inventory of calf 
and lamb operations based on livestock beginning inventory history 
(LBIH). The regulation will retain LBIH and its use will be applicable 
in any livestock operation, not only those that were referred to as 
``open range,'' for establishment of beginning inventory of unweaned 
livestock of calves, kids, or lambs. Accordingly, corresponding 
amendments are being made throughout the subpart to remove references 
to open range and to replace the reference to calves and lambs with 
unweaned livestock. This rule also amends Sec.  1416.304, where 
applicable, by replacing the words ``adverse weather event or date of 
the attack by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal 
Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian 
predators or the transmission by vectors and is not susceptible to 
control by vaccination or acceptable management practices'' with 
``eligible loss condition,'' for ease in reading. This rule amends 
Sec.  1416.304 to clarify that that eligible livestock includes only 
those livestock produced and maintained for commercial use for sale of 
the production of livestock products such as milk or eggs (or 
livestock). Excluded livestock are the same before including, but not 
limited to, wild free roaming animals; animals produced or maintained 
for consumption by the owner or contract grower; livestock used for 
recreational purposes; and livestock used for pleasure, hunting, 
roping, pets, or for show.
    As is the case for other subparts, this rule amends Sec.  1416.305 
to remove provisions that were only applicable to prior program years. 
However, to relieve the burden some livestock owners may have in 
qualifying for assistance, Sec.  1416.305 is amended to permit, for 
losses sustained due to an eligible adverse weather event or eligible 
disease, as defined in the rule, that the participant must, at a 
minimum, provide reliable records of inventory and reliable records as 
proof of death or injury. Finally, consistent with other amendments to 
7 CFR part 1416, provisions in Sec.  1416.305 that were applicable only 
to prior program years (for example, on or after October 1, 2011, and 
before January 1, 2015) have been removed.

TAP

    TAP assists eligible orchardists and nursery tree growers that have 
incurred tree, bush, or vine mortality losses in excess of 15 percent, 
adjusted for normal mortality, due to natural disaster. TAP is a cost-
reimbursement program, which means that payments are calculated based 
on estimated actual costs to replace or rehabilitate lost or damaged 
trees, bushes, or vines. The replacement and rehabilitation activities 
must take place within 12 months after the application is approved, and 
payment is not made until the activities are completed.
    The rule amends Sec.  1416.402 to add the term ``commercially 
viable'' for those eligible trees, bushes, or vines, that are damaged 
but which may rejuvenate and return to a level of expected production 
through rehabilitation and without planting. The term is added to Sec.  
1416.403 to permit eligible trees, bushes, or vines that are determined 
not commercially viable to be included in order to meet the requisite 
mortality in Sec.  1416.403(a). This rule also amends the definition of 
``natural disaster'' to specify the included natural occurrences must 
be extreme, abnormal, and damaging, consistent with the intent of the 
program.
    This rule amends Sec.  1416.405 to remove provisions that applied 
only to prior program years. It amends Sec.  1416.406 to implement a 
change required by the 2018 Farm Bill to increase the reimbursement 
amount for a beginning farmer and rancher and a veteran farmer and 
rancher from 65 percent to 75 percent for the cost of replanting trees, 
bushes, or vines lost due to a natural disaster, in excess of 15 
percent mortality (adjusted for normal mortality) or, at the option of 
the Secretary, sufficient seedlings to reestablish a stand. The 2018 
Farm Bill also increases the reimbursement amount for beginning farmers 
and ranchers and veteran farmers and ranchers from 50 percent to 75 
percent of the cost of pruning, removal, and other costs incurred for 
salvaging the existing plants, or in the case of plant mortality, to 
prepare land for replanting, subject to the maximum allowable FSA rate.

Effective Date, Notice and Comment, and Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C.553) provides that the 
notice and comment and 30-day delay in the effective date provisions do 
not apply when the rule involves specified actions, including matters 
relating to benefits. This rule governs Supplemental Agricultural 
Disaster Assistance Programs, which include ELAP, LIP, LFP, and TAP for 
benefit payments and thus falls within that exemption.
    Further, as specified in 7 U.S.C. 9091, the regulations to 
implement the provisions of the Title I of the 2018 Farm Bill are:
     Exempt from the notice and comment provisions of 5 U.S.C. 
553, and
     Exempt from the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 
35.
     To use the authority in 5 U.S.C. 808 related to 
Congressional review and any potential delay in the effective date.
    In addition, 7 U.S.C. 9091(c)(3) directs the Secretary to use the 
authority provided in 5 U.S.C. 808, which provides that when an agency 
finds for good cause that notice and public procedure are 
impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest, that 
the rule may take effect at such time as the agency determines. Due to 
the mandatory requirements of the 2018 Farm Bill and the need to 
implement the regulations expeditiously to provide assistance to 
producers who suffered disaster losses because of adverse weather and 
other natural disasters, FSA and CCC find that notice and public 
procedure are contrary to the public interest.
    The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated this rule as 
not major under Congressional Review Act, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 
804(2). Therefore, FSA is not required to delay the effective date for 
60 days from the date of publication to allow for Congressional review.
    Accordingly, this rule is effective upon publication in the Federal 
Register.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, 13771, and 13777

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health

[[Page 10962]]

and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 
13563 emphasized the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
The requirements in Executive Order 12866 and 13563 for the analysis of 
costs and benefits apply to rule that are determined to be significant. 
Executive Order 13777, ``Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda,'' 
established a federal policy to alleviate unnecessary regulatory 
burdens on the American people.
    OMB designated this rule as not significant under Executive Order 
12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and therefore, OMB has not 
reviewed this rule and analysis of the costs and benefits is not 
required under either Executive Order 12866 and 13563.
    Executive Order 13771, ``Reducing Regulation and Controlling 
Regulatory Costs,'' requires that in order to manage the private costs 
required to comply with Federal regulations that for every new 
significant or economically significant regulation issued, the new 
costs must be offset by the elimination of at least two prior 
regulations. As this rule is designated not significant, it is not 
subject to Executive Order 13771. In a general response to the 
requirements of Executive Order 13777, USDA created a Regulatory Reform 
Task Force, and USDA agencies were directed to remove barriers, reduce 
burdens, and provide better customer service both as part of the 
regulatory reform of existing regulations and as an ongoing approach. 
FSA reviewed this regulation and made changes to improve any provision 
that was determined to be outdated, unnecessary, or ineffective.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by 
the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 
generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory analysis of any 
rule whenever an agency is required by APA or any other law to publish 
a proposed rule, unless the agency certifies that the rule will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. This rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act 
because as noted above, this rule is exempt from notice and comment 
rulemaking requirements of the APA and no other law requires that a 
proposed rule be published for this rulemaking initiative.

Environmental Review

    In general, the environmental impacts of rules are to be considered 
in a manner consistent with the provisions of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), the regulations 
of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and 
FSA regulations for compliance with NEPA (7 CFR part 799). Some of the 
changes being made by the rule were self-enacting and have already been 
implemented administratively. The rule implements primarily changes 
required by the 2018 Farm bills for ELAP, LIP and TAP; and the 
discretionary aspects are to improve administration of the programs and 
clarify existing program requirements. FSA is providing the disaster 
assistances, payment limitations, and payment eligibility provisions 
under the LIP, LFP, ELAP, and TAP to the eligible producers. The 
discretionary provision would not alter any environmental impacts 
resulting from implementing the mandatory changes to those programs. 
Accordingly, these discretionary aspects are coved by the following 
Categorical Exclusion, found at 7 CFR part 799.31(b)(6)(vi) safety net 
programs administrated by FSA and no Extraordinary Circumstances (Sec.  
799.33) exist. Therefore, as this rule presents only discretionary 
clarifications of mandatory requirements that will not have an impact 
to the human environments, individually or cumulatively, FSA will not 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement 
for this rule; this rule serves as documentation of the programmatic 
environmental compliance decision for this federal action.

Executive Order 12372

    Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal 
Programs,'' requires consultation with State and local officials that 
would be directly affected by proposed Federal financial assistance. 
The objectives of the Executive Order are to foster an 
intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened Federalism, by relying 
on State and local processes for State and local government 
coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance and 
direct Federal development. For reasons specified in the final rule 
related notice regarding 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V (48 FR 29115, June 
24, 1983), the programs and activities in this rule are excluded from 
the scope of Executive Order 12372.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, ``Civil 
Justice Reform.'' This rule will not preempt State or local laws, 
regulations, or policies unless they represent an irreconcilable 
conflict with this rule. Before any judicial actions may be brought 
regarding the provisions of this rule, the administrative appeal 
provisions of 7 CFR parts 11 and 780 are to be exhausted.

Executive Order 13132

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13132, 
``Federalism.'' The policies contained in this rule do not have any 
substantial direct effect on States, on the relationship between the 
Federal Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government, except as 
required by law. Nor does this rule impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, 
consultation with the States is not required.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have Tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian Tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
    USDA has assessed the impact of this rule on Indian Tribes and 
determined that this rule has Trial implications that required Tribal 
consultation under Executive Order 13175. Tribal consultation for this 
rule was included in the 2018 Farm Bill consultation held on May 1, 
2019, at the National Museum of American Indian, in Washington, DC. The 
portion of the Tribal Consultation relative to this rule was conducted 
by Bill Northey, USDA Under Secretary for the Farm Production and 
Conservation mission area, as part of Title I session. If a Tribe 
requests additional consultation, FSA will work with the USDA Office of 
Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is provided.

[[Page 10963]]

Unfunded Mandates

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA, Pub. L. 
104-4) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their 
regulatory actions on State, local, or Tribal governments or the 
private sector. Agencies generally must prepare a written statement, 
including a cost benefit analysis, for proposed and final rules with 
Federal mandates that may result in expenditures of $100 million or 
more in any 1 year for State, local, or Tribal governments, in the 
aggregate, or to the private sector. UMRA generally requires agencies 
to consider alternatives and adopt the more cost effective or least 
burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives of the rule. This 
rule contains no Federal mandates as defined by Title II of UMRA for 
State, local, or Tribal governments or for the private sector. 
Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 
and 205 of UMRA.

Federal Assistance Programs

    The titles and numbers of the Federal assistance programs, listed 
in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, to which this rule 
applies, are:

10.088--Livestock Indemnity Program
10.089--Livestock Forage Disaster Program
10.091--Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised 
Fish Program
10.092--Tree Assistance Program

E-Government Act Compliance

    FSA and CCC are committed to complying with the E-Government Act, 
to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies 
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1416

    Administrative practice and procedure, Agriculture, Disaster 
assistance, Fruits, Livestock, Nursery stock, Seafood.

    For the reasons discussed above, CCC amends 7 CFR part 1416 as 
follows:

PART 1416--EMERGENCY AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1416 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Title I, Pub. L. 113-79, 128 Stat. 649; Title I, Pub. 
L. 115-123; Title VII, Pub. L. 115-141.

Subpart A--General Provisions for Supplemental Agricultural 
Disaster Assistance Programs


Sec.  1416.2  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  1416.2, in paragraph (a), by removing the words ``will 
be'' and adding the word ``is'' in their place, and in paragraph (f), 
by adding a comma after the word ``year'' the first time it appears in 
the second sentence.

0
3. Amend Sec.  1416.3 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b)(3), remove the word ``or'';
0
b. In paragraph (b)(4), remove the period and add ``; or'' at the end 
of the paragraph; and
0
c. Add paragraph (b)(5).
    The addition reads as follows:


Sec.  1416.3  Eligible producer.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Indian Tribe or Tribal organization, as defined in section 4(b) 
of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
U.S.C. 5304).

0
4. Amend Sec.  1416.6 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a); and
0
b. In paragraph (c), in the first sentence, remove the words ``For 
losses incurred beginning on October 1, 2011, and for'' add the word 
``For'' in their place, and in the last sentence, remove the words 
``average AGI'' and add ``AGI'' in their place.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1416.6  Payment eligibility and limitation.

    (a) For 2019 and each subsequent program year, a person, legal 
entity, or member of a joint venture or general partnership, as 
determined in part 1400 of this chapter, cannot receive, directly or 
indirectly, more than $125,000 per program year under LFP.
* * * * *


Sec.  1416.7  [Amended]

0
5. Amend Sec.  1416.7, in paragraph (a), by removing the word 
``deliberately''.

0
6. Amend Sec.  1416.14 by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows.


Sec.  1416.14  Miscellaneous.

* * * * *
    (b) In order to be eligible for benefits, participants in the 
programs specified in this part must submit an accurate acreage report 
annually as required by these provisions.

Subpart B--Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-
Raised Fish Program

0
7. Amend Sec.  1416.102 as follows:
0
a. In the definition of ``Eligible adverse weather'', add the word 
``eligible'' before the word ``winter'';
0
b. Revise the definition of ``Eligible winter storm'';
0
c. In the definition of ``Equine animal'', add the word ``weaned'' 
before the word ``domesticated'';
0
d. In the definition of ``Goat'', add the word ``weaned'' before the 
word ``domesticated'' and remove the second sentence;
0
e. In the definition of ``Grazing animals'', remove the words 
``livestock that'' and add the words ``weaned livestock that'' in their 
place and add a sentence to the end of the definition;
0
f. In the definition of ``Livestock owner'', remove the words ``on the 
day of'' and add the words ``during the 60 calendar days before'' in 
their place.
0
g. Revise the definitions of ``Non-adult beef cattle'', ``Non-adult 
beefalo'', ``Non-adult buffalo or bison'', and ``Non-adult dairy 
cattle'';
0
h. In the definition of ``Normal mortality'', remove the words 
``livestock,'' and ``livestock and'';
0
i. Remove the definition of ``Poultry'';
0
j. Revise the definition of ``Program year'';
0
k. In the definition of ``Sheep'', add the word ``weaned'' before the 
word ``domesticated'' and remove the second sentence;
0
l. Remove the definition of ``Swine''; and
0
m. Add in alphabetical order a definition for ``Unweaned livestock''; 
and
0
n. In the definition of ``Verifiable record'', remove the words ``and 
is used to substantiate the claimed loss''.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.102  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Eligible winter storm means an event that is so severe as to 
directly cause loss and lasts in duration for at least 3 consecutive 
days and includes a combination of high winds, freezing rain or sleet, 
heavy snowfall, and extremely cold temperatures. The wind, 
precipitation, and extremely cold temperatures must occur during the 
consecutive 3-day period, with wind and extremely cold temperatures 
occurring in each of the 3 days.
* * * * *
    Grazing animals * * * Unweaned livestock are not grazing animals 
regardless of whether those unweaned livestock are present on grazing 
land or pastureland.
* * * * *
    Non-adult beef cattle means a weaned beef breed bovine animal that 
on or

[[Page 10964]]

before the beginning date of the eligible adverse weather or eligible 
loss condition does not meet the definition of adult beef cow or bull.
    Non-adult beefalo means a weaned hybrid of beef and bison that on 
or before the beginning date of the eligible adverse weather or 
eligible loss condition does not meet the definition of adult beefalo 
cow or bull.
    Non-adult buffalo or bison means a weaned animal of those breeds 
that on or before the beginning date of the eligible adverse weather or 
loss condition does not meet the definition of adult buffalo or adult 
bison cow or bull.
    Non-adult dairy cattle means a weaned bovine animal of a breed used 
for the purpose of providing milk for human consumption that on or 
before the beginning date of the eligible adverse weather or eligible 
loss condition does not meet the definition of adult dairy cow or bull.
* * * * *
    Program year means for 2019 from October 1, 2018, through December 
31, 2019; for 2020 and subsequent years, the program year is the same 
as the calendar year, January 1 through December 31.
* * * * *
    Unweaned livestock means an animal not weaned from mother's milk or 
milk replacement to other nourishment. For ELAP purposes, unweaned 
livestock does not include turkeys, ducks, chickens, and geese.
* * * * *

0
8. Amend Sec.  1416.103 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (d)(5) introductory text and (d)(5)(i) and (ii);
0
b. In paragraph (d)(5)(iii), remove the words ``grazing land' and add 
the word ``livestock'' in their place;
0
c. Revise paragraph (f);
0
d. Remove paragraph (g);
0
e. Redesignate paragraphs (h) through (j) as paragraphs (g) through 
(i), respectively; and
0
f. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (h).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.103  Eligible losses, adverse weather, and other loss 
conditions.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (5) A loss resulting from the additional cost of transporting water 
to eligible livestock as specified in Sec.  1416.104(a) due to eligible 
adverse weather, eligible loss condition, or eligible drought, as 
determined by the Deputy Administrator, including, but not limited to, 
costs associated with water transport equipment rental fees, labor, and 
contracted water transportation fees. The cost of the water is not 
eligible for payment. Transporting water to livestock located on land 
enrolled in CRP is not an eligible loss under ELAP. To be eligible for 
additional cost of transporting water to eligible livestock, the 
livestock must be on eligible grazing lands that meet all of the 
following:
    (i) Physically located in the county where the eligible adverse 
weather, eligible loss condition, or eligible drought, as determined by 
the Deputy Administrator, occurred;
    (ii) That had adequate livestock watering systems or facilities 
before the eligible adverse weather, eligible loss condition, or 
eligible drought occurred; and
* * * * *
    (f) For a loss resulting from the additional cost associated with 
gathering livestock to inspect or treat for cattle tick fever, the 
livestock gathered for inspection or treatment for cattle tick fever 
must be considered eligible livestock as specified in Sec.  
1416.104(d). To be considered an eligible loss, acceptable records, as 
determined by the Deputy Administrator, must be on file with APHIS, 
that provide the number of livestock gathered and inspected or treated 
for cattle tick fever and the number of treatments given during the 
program year.
* * * * *
    (h) For honeybee colony or honeybee hive losses to be considered 
eligible, the hive producer must have incurred the loss in the county 
where the eligible adverse weather or eligible loss condition occurred. 
The honeybee colony or hive losses must be due to an eligible adverse 
weather or eligible loss condition, as determined by the Deputy 
Administrator, including, but not limited to, colony collapse disorder, 
earthquake, eligible winter storm, as specified in Sec.  1416.102, 
excessive wind, flood, hurricane, lightning, tornado, volcanic 
eruption, and wildfire. Drought is not an eligible adverse weather 
event or eligible loss condition for honeybee hive losses. To be 
considered eligible for honeybee hive loss as of the beginning date of 
the eligible adverse weather event or eligible loss condition the 
honeybee hive must be all the following: Maintained for producing 
honey, pollinating, or breeding honeybees for commercial use in a 
farming operation; physically located in the county where the eligible 
adverse weather or eligible loss conditions occurred; and be a part of 
a honeybee farming operation in which the applicant has a risk in honey 
production, pollination, or honeybee breeding. To be considered an 
eligible honeybee colony loss, the colony loss must be in excess of 
normal mortality, as established by the Deputy Administrator, and the 
loss could not have been prevented through reasonable and available 
measures. The notice of loss must be accompanied by acceptable 
documentation, as determined by the Deputy Administrator, that 
demonstrates an eligible loss occurred and was associated with an 
eligible adverse weather or eligible loss condition, and that generally 
accepted husbandry and production practices had been followed. For 
colony collapse disorder, acceptable documentation includes, but is not 
limited to, proof of beginning inventory and good management practices, 
and a producer certification that the loss of honeybee colonies was a 
direct result of at least 3 of the following 5 symptoms:
    (1) The loss of live queen or drone bee populations inside the 
hives;
    (2) Rapid decline of adult worker bee population outside the hives, 
leaving brood poorly or completely unattended;
    (3) Absence of dead adult bees inside the hive and outside the 
entrance of the hive;
    (4) Absence of robbing collapsed colonies;
    (5) At the time of collapse, varroa mite and Nosema populations are 
not at levels known to cause economic injury or population decline.
* * * * *


Sec.  1416.104  [Amended]

0
9. Amend Sec.  1416.104 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(3), add the word ``and'' at the end of the 
paragraph;
0
b. In paragraph (a)(4); remove the semicolon and add a period in its 
place;
0
c. Remove paragraph (a)(5);
0
d. In paragraph (c)(7), add the word ``unweaned'' before the word 
``beef'';
0
e. Remove paragraphs (d), (e)(1) and (2), and (f);
0
f. Redesignate paragraphs (e), (g), and (h) as paragraphs (d), (e), and 
(f), respectively; and
0
g. In newly redesignated paragraph (d), remove the words ``the survival 
of the livestock and'' and the phrase ``For death losses for contract 
growers to be eligible, the livestock must meet all of the following 
conditions:''.


Sec.  1416.105  [Amended]

0
10. Amend Sec.  1416.105 by removing paragraph (c) and redesignating 
paragraphs (d) through (f) as paragraphs (c) through (e), respectively.


Sec.  1416.106  [Amended]

0
11. Amend Sec.  1416.106 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a) introductory text;

[[Page 10965]]

0
b. In paragraph (a)(2)(i), remove the words ``feed, grazing, and 
death'' and add the words ``feed and grazing'' in their place;
0
c. In paragraph (a)(7), remove the words ``resource and beginning'' and 
add the words ``resource, beginning, or veteran'' in their place;
0
d. In paragraph (b) introductory text, remove the words ``For 2017 and 
subsequent program years, for'' and add the word ``For'' in its place;
0
e. In paragraph (d), add a new third sentence;
0
f. Remove paragraph (e); and
0
g. Redesignate paragraph (f) as paragraph (e).
    The revision and addition read as follows:


Sec.  1416.106  Notice of loss and application process.

    (a) To apply for ELAP, the participant that suffered eligible 
livestock, honeybee, or farm-raised fish losses must submit, to the FSA 
county office, the following:
* * * * *
    (d) * * * If the participant was paid for a loss of honeybee colony 
or honeybee hive in either or both of the 2 previous years, the 
participant must provide documentation that FSA deems acceptable to 
substantiate how current year honeybee colony and honeybee hive 
inventory was acquired. * * *
* * * * *

0
12. Revise Sec.  1416.107 to read as follows:


Sec.  1416.107  Notice of loss and application period.

    (a) In addition to submitting an application for payment by the 
deadline in paragraph (b) of this section, the participant that 
suffered eligible livestock, honeybee, or farm-raised fish losses that 
create or could create a claim for benefits must:
    (1) For losses other than honeybees, provide a notice of loss to 
FSA within 30 calendar days of when the loss of livestock is first 
apparent;
    (2) For honeybee losses, provide a notice of loss together with 
documentation required by Sec.  1416.103 to FSA within 15 calendar days 
of when the loss is first apparent;
    (3) Submit the notice of loss required in this paragraph to the FSA 
county office.
    (b) In addition to the notices of loss required in paragraph (a) of 
this section, a participant seeking payment must also submit a 
completed application for payment by 30 calendar days after the end of 
the applicable program year.


Sec.  1416.109  [Amended]

0
13. Amend Sec.  1416.109 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a), remove the word ``socially'' and add the words 
``veteran farmer or rancher, socially ''in its place; and
0
b. In paragraph (c), remove the references ``Sec. Sec.  1416.110(n), 
1416.111(b)'' and add the reference ``Sec. Sec.  1416.111(b)'' in its 
place.


Sec.  1416.110  [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  1416.110 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (b) introductory text, add the words ``eligible adverse 
weather, eligible loss condition, or'' before the words ``eligible 
drought'';
0
b. In paragraph (f) introductory text, add the words ``or inspect'' 
after the word ``treat'', and add the words ``or inspection'' after the 
word ``treatment'' both times it appears;
0
c. In paragraph (f)(2), add the words ``or inspected'' after the word 
``treated'';
0
d. Remove paragraph (n); and
0
e. Redesignate paragraph (o) as paragraph (n).

Subpart C--Livestock Forage Disaster Program

0
15. Amend Sec.  1416.201 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1416.201  Applicability.

* * * * *
    (b) Eligible livestock owners or contract growers who are eligible 
producers of eligible grazed forage crop acreage will be compensated 
for eligible grazing losses for covered livestock that occur due to a 
qualifying drought or fire that occurs in the calendar year for which 
benefits are being requested.

0
16. Amend Sec.  1416.202 as follows:
0
a. In the definition of ``Contract grower'', remove the words ``the 
survival of the livestock and'';
0
b. In the definition of ``Equine animal'', add the word ``weaned'' 
before the word ``domesticated'';
0
c. In the definition of ``Goat'', add the word ``weaned'' before the 
word ``domesticated'';
0
d. In the definition of ``Grazing animals'', add the word ``weaned'' 
before the work ``livestock'' in the first sentence, and add a sentence 
to the end of the definition;
0
e. In the definition of ``Non-adult beef cattle'', add the word 
``weaned'' before the word ``beef'' and remove the words ``weighted 500 
pounds or more'' and remove the words ``but that'';
0
f. In the definition of ``Non-adult beefalo'':
0
i. Add the word ``weaned'' before the word ``hybrid'';
0
ii. Remove the words ``weighed 500 pounds or more''; and
0
iii. Remove the words ``fire, but'' and add the word ``fire'' in their 
place;
0
g. In the definition of ``Non-adult buffalo or bison'', remove the word 
``an'' and add the words ``a weaned'' in its place and remove the words 
``weighed 500 pounds or more'' and ``, but'';
0
h. In the definition of ``Non-adult dairy cattle'';
0
i. Add the word ``weaned'' before the word ``bovine'';
0
ii. Remove the words ``weighed 500 pounds or more''; and
0
iii. Remove the words ``fire, but that'' and add the word ``fire'' in 
their place;
0
i. Remove the definition of ``Poultry'';
0
j. In the definition of ``Sheep'', add the word ``weaned'' before the 
word ``domesticated'';
0
k. Remove the definition of ``Swine''; and
0
l. Add in alphabetical order a definition for ``Unweaned livestock''.
    The additions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.202  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Grazing animals * * * Unweaned livestock are excluded as grazing 
animals regardless of whether those unweaned livestock are present on 
grazing land or pastureland.
* * * * *
    Unweaned livestock means an animal not weaned from mother's milk or 
milk replacement to other nourishment.
* * * * *


Sec.  1416.203  [Amended]

0
17. Amend Sec.  1416.203 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(2) introductory text, remove the word ``Provide'' 
and add the words ``As of the date of the qualifying drought or fire 
provide'' in its place; and
0
b. In paragraph (a)(2)(i), add the words ``the specific forage crop 
acreage in'' after the word ``for''.

0
18. Amend Sec.  1416.204 as follows:
0
a. In paragraph (a)(5), remove the word ``any'' and add the words 
``consumption by the owner, lessee, or contract grower, any'' in their 
place;
0
b. Revise paragraph (c)(7); and
0
c. In paragraph (c)(9), remove the words ``as part of a farming 
operation'' and add the words ``any of the following or'' before the 
word ``recreational''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1416.204  Covered livestock.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (7) Unweaned livestock or animals not meeting the definition of a 
grazing animal;
* * * * *

[[Page 10966]]

Sec.  1416.205  [Amended]

0
19. Amend Sec.  1416.205 in paragraph (b)(2) by removing the words 
``lack of water that is beyond the participant's control'' and adding 
the words ``the lack of surface water as a result of a qualifying 
eligible drought condition'' in their place.

0
20. Amend Sec.  1416.206 as follows:
0
a. Remove paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (b) and (c) as (a) and (b), respectively;
0
c. Revise newly redesignated paragraph (a);
0
d. Remove newly redesignated paragraph (b)(2);
0
e. Redesignate newly redesignated paragraphs (b)(3) through (7) as 
paragraphs (b)(2) through (6), respectively; and
0
e. In newly redesignated paragraph (b)(6), remove the words ``papers; 
rendering truck receipts; Federal Emergency Management Agency Records; 
National Guard records; written'' and add the words ``papers; written'' 
in their place.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1416.206  Application for payment.

    (a) To apply for LFP, the participant that suffered eligible 
grazing losses for the 2019 and subsequent program years must submit a 
completed application and required supporting documentation, including 
some supporting documentation such as an acreage report that may have 
been required at an earlier date, to the administrative FSA county 
office no later than 30 calendar days after the end of the calendar 
year in which the grazing loss occurred.
* * * * *


Sec.  1416.207  [Amended]

0
21. Amend Sec.  1416.207 in paragraph (a) by adding the words 
``representative to'' after the words ``only as'' in the last sentence.

Subpart D--Livestock Indemnity Program

0
22. Amend Sec.  1416.301 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1416.301  Applicability.

    (a) This subpart establishes the terms and conditions of the 
Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).
* * * * *

0
23. Amend Sec.  1416.302 as follows:
0
a. Revise the definitions of ``Actual livestock beginning inventory'', 
``Adjusted livestock beginning inventory'', and ``Approved livestock 
beginning inventory'';
0
b. In the definition of ``Base period'', remove the words ``open range 
calf or lambing operation'' and add the words ``unweaned livestock'' in 
their place;
0
c. In the definition of ``Continuous livestock beginning inventory 
reports'', remove the words ``livestock open range operation'' and add 
the words ``unweaned livestock'' in their place;
0
d. Remove the definition of ``Cow/Ewe Livestock Beginning Inventory 
History'';
0
e. Add in alphabetical order a definition for ``Cow, Ewe, Nanny LBIH'';
0
f. In the definition of ``Eligible adverse weather'', remove the last 
three sentences;
0
g. In the definition of ``Eligible disease'', remove the word 
``poisoning'', and add the words ``poisoning, or a disease that is 
caused or transmitted by a vector and cannot be controlled by 
vaccination or acceptable management practices'' in its place;
0
h. In the definition of ``Livestock beginning inventory history'', 
remove the words ``calf or lamb open range'';
0
i. In the definition of ``LBIH reporting date'', add a period at the 
end of the definition;
0
j. Revise the definition of ``Livestock inventory report'';
0
k. Remove the definitions of ``Open range operation'' and 
``Transitional livestock beginning inventory history for offspring 
(calves/lambs)''; and
0
l. Add in alphabetical order definitions for ``Transitional LBIH for 
unweaned livestock'' and ``Unweaned livestock''.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.302  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Actual livestock beginning inventory means the actual livestock 
beginning inventory per calendar year for unweaned livestock that is 
calculated from the verifiable or reliable records of death, birthing, 
docking, inventory, and sales.
    Adjusted livestock beginning inventory means the LBIH for unweaned 
livestock that will be adjusted during the base period for years for 
which continuous actual LBIH records are not provided.
* * * * *
    Approved livestock beginning inventory means the approved livestock 
beginning inventory for unweaned livestock, calculated by the sum of 
the yearly actual and transitional LBIH divided by the number of years 
of LBIH.
* * * * *
    Cow, Ewe, Nanny LBIH means, the applicable calendar year cow, ewe, 
or nanny verifiable livestock beginning inventory records provided to 
FSA by the unweaned livestock operation to be used in calculating the 
transitional LBIH.
* * * * *
    Livestock inventory report means a written record showing the 
producer's annual inventory used to determine the LBIH for LIP purposes 
for the livestock operation. The report contains LBIH by livestock 
operation by livestock type or kind.
* * * * *
    Transitional LBIH for unweaned livestock means an estimated LBIH, 
generally determined by multiplying the livestock operation's beginning 
cow, ewe, or nanny LBIH by the national established birthing rate 
percentage established by FSA for the species of unweaned livestock. 
The Deputy Administrator has the authority to make adjustments for 
variations in stocking levels for livestock during the period covered 
by the history as necessary. It is to be used in the transitional LBIH 
calculation process when less than 4 consecutive calendar years of 
actual LBIH is available.
    Unweaned livestock means an animal not weaned from mother's milk or 
milk replacement to other nourishment. For LIP purposes, unweaned 
livestock does not include turkeys, ducks, chickens, and geese.
* * * * *

0
24. Amend Sec.  1416.304 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraphs (c)(1)(ii) and (c)(2);
0
b. In paragraph (c)(3), add the words ``produced or'' before the word 
``maintained'', and remove the words ``sale of'';
0
c. Revise paragraph (c)(4);
0
d. Redesignate paragraphs (d)(37) through (39) as paragraphs (d)(40) 
through (42), respectively and Redesignate paragraphs (d)(14) through 
(36) as paragraphs (d)(16) through (38), respectively;
0
e. Add new paragraphs (d)(14) and (15);
0
f. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(36), remove the word ``feeder'' 
and add the words ``suckling pigs, nursery'' in their place;
0
g. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(37), remove the words ``sows, 
boars,'' and add ``lightweight'' in their place;
0
h. In newly redesignated paragraph (d)(38), remove the words ``over 
150'' and add the words ``151 to 450'' in their place;
0
i. Add new paragraph (d)(39);
0
j. Revise paragraph (e); and
0
k. In paragraph (f), remove the words ``cause of loss'' and add the 
words ``loss condition'' in their place.

[[Page 10967]]

    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.304  Eligible livestock.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (ii) No later than 30 calendar days for livestock, or 7 calendar 
days for newborn livestock, from the ending date of the eligible loss 
condition; or
    (2) Been injured and sold at a reduced price as a direct result of 
an eligible adverse weather event or eligible attack no later than 30 
calendar days for livestock, or 7 calendar days for newborn livestock, 
from the ending date of the eligible adverse weather event or eligible 
attack.
* * * * *
    (4) Not be produced or maintained for reasons other than commercial 
use for livestock sale or for the production of livestock products such 
as milk or eggs. Livestock excluded from being eligible include, but 
are not limited to, wild free roaming animals and animals produced or 
maintained for consumption by the owner or contract grower, livestock 
used for recreational purposes, livestock used for pleasure, hunting, 
roping, pets, or for show.
    (d) * * *
    (14) Chickens, roasters
    (15) Chickens, super roasters or parts
* * * * *
    (39) Swine, boars, sows, 450 pounds or more;
* * * * *
    (e) The following categories of animals are eligible livestock for 
contract growers and calculations of eligibility for payments will be 
calculated separately for each producer with respect to each category:
    (1) Chickens, broilers, pullets (regular size);
    (2) Chickens, chicks;
    (3) Chickens, layers;
    (4) Chickens, pullets or Cornish hens (small size);
    (5) Chickens, roasters;
    (6) Chickens, super roasters or parts;
    (7) Ducks;
    (8) Ducks, ducklings;
    (9) Geese, goose;
    (10) Swine, boars, sows;
    (11) Swine, suckling nursery pigs;
    (12) Swine, lightweight barrows, gilts 50 to 150 pounds;
    (13) Swine, sows, boars, barrows, gilts 151 to 450 pounds;
    (14) Swine, boars and sows 450 pounds or more;
    (15) Turkeys, poults; and
    (16) Turkeys, toms, fryers, and roasters.
* * * * *

0
25. Amend Sec.  1416.305 as follows:
0
a. Revise paragraph (a);
0
b. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the words ``For 2017 and subsequent 
programs years, provide'' and add the word ``Provide'' in its place 
and;
0
c. In paragraph (b)(2), remove the words ``paragraph (b)(1) of'';
0
d. Revise paragraph (c);
0
e. In paragraph (d)(4), remove the word ``Inventory'', and add the 
words ``Documentation acceptable to FSA showing inventory'' in its 
place;
0
f. Revise paragraphs (f), (g) introductory text, and (h) introductory 
text;
0
g. In paragraph (h)(1)(i), remove the words ``verifiable or reliable'';
0
h. Revise paragraphs (i) introductory text and (i)(1) introductory 
text;
0
i. In paragraph (i)(1)(i), remove the words ``open range'' and 
``verifiable;
0
j. In paragraphs (i)(1)(ii), (i)(2) introductory text, and (i)(2)(i), 
remove the words ``open range'' and add the word ``unweaned'' in their 
place;
0
k. Revise paragraph (i)(2)(ii);
0
l. In paragraph (i)(3), remove the words ``livestock beginning 
inventory history'' and add the word ``LBIH'' in their places each time 
they appear; and remove the words ``ewe and cow'' and add the words 
``ewe, cow, and nanny'' in their place;
0
m. In paragraph (i)(4) introductory text, remove the words ``open 
range'' and add the word ``unweaned'' in their place, and remove the 
words ``livestock beginning inventory history'' and add the word 
``LBIH'' in their place;
0
n. Revise paragraphs (i)(4)(i) through (iv); and
0
o. Remove paragraph (k).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1416.305  Application process.

    (a) A notice of loss must be accompanied by documentation 
acceptable to FSA substantiating that the claimed eligible loss 
condition occurred and was responsible for eligible losses. For any 
notice of loss being submitted for disease exacerbated by eligible 
adverse weather, the notice of loss must be accompanied by a 
certification referenced in paragraph (g) of this section.
* * * * *
    (c) In addition to the notice of loss required in paragraph (b) of 
this section, a participant must also submit a completed application 
for payment, by livestock unit for losses apparent in 2019 and 
subsequent years, by no later than 60 calendar days after the end of 
the calendar year in which the eligible loss condition occurred.
* * * * *
    (f) For losses resulting from an eligible adverse weather event or 
eligible disease, if adequate verifiable proof of death or injury 
documentation is not available, the participant may provide reliable 
records as proof of death or injury. Reliable records may include 
contemporaneous producer records, dairy herd improvement records, brand 
inspection records, vaccination records, dated pictures, and other 
similar reliable documents as determined by FSA.
    (g) For livestock death losses due to disease, a licensed 
veterinarian's certification of livestock deaths may be accepted as 
proof of death, if reliable beginning inventory data is available, only 
if the veterinarian provides a written statement containing all of the 
following:
* * * * *
    (h) Certification of livestock deaths or injuries by third parties 
may be accepted if both of the following conditions are met:
* * * * *
    (i) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) The COC will explain the procedure for the LBIH to unweaned 
livestock operation. COC will determine the LBIH in accordance with 
Sec.  1416.305(g).
* * * * *
    (4) * * *
    (i) If no acceptable livestock beginning inventory records are 
available for calves, lambs, or kids, calculate the 4 transitional 
livestock beginning inventory histories by multiplying the approved 
birthing rate or drop rate percentage for the unweaned livestock 
operation times the applicable cow, ewe, or nanny LBIH times 65 
percent.
    (ii) If acceptable livestock beginning inventory records are 
provided for only one of the most recent 5 calendar years, calculate 
the 3 transitional livestock beginning inventory histories by 
multiplying the approved birthing rate or drop rate percentage for the 
unweaned livestock operation times the applicable cow, ewe, or nanny 
LBIH times 80 percent.
    (iii) If acceptable livestock beginning inventory records are 
provided for only 2 of the most recent 5 calendar years, calculate the 
2 transitional livestock beginning inventory histories by multiplying 
the approved birthing rate or drop rate percentage for the unweaned 
livestock operation times the applicable cow, ewe, or nanny LBIH times 
90 percent.
    (iv) If acceptable livestock beginning inventory records are 
provided for only

[[Page 10968]]

3 of the most recent 5 calendar years, calculate the one transitional 
livestock beginning inventory histories by multiplying the approved 
birthing rate or drop rate percentage for the unweaned livestock 
operation times the applicable cow, ewe, or nanny LBIH times 100 
percent.
* * * * *

Subpart E--Tree Assistance Program


Sec.  1416.400  [Amended]

0
26. Amend Sec.  1416.400 in paragraph (a) by removing the words ``by 
the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), and the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141)''.

0
27. Amend Sec.  1416.402 by adding in alphabetical order a definition 
for ``Commercially viable'' and revising the definition of ``Natural 
disaster'' to read as follows:


Sec.  1416.402  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Commercially viable means an eligible tree, bush, or vine, though 
damaged, that can rejuvenate and return to an acceptable level of 
commercial production at some time with rehabilitation and without 
replanting. A commercially viable tree, bush, or vine, regardless of 
the extent of damage or years of reduced production, is always excluded 
and never included as part of mortality under Sec.  1416.403.
* * * * *
    Natural disaster means plant disease, insect infestation, drought, 
fire, freeze, flood, earthquake, lightning, or other natural 
occurrence. Each of these types of disasters must be extreme, abnormal, 
and damaging as well as of significant magnitude or severity, as 
determined by the Deputy Administrator.
* * * * *

0
28. Amend Sec.  1416.403 in paragraph (g) by adding two sentences to 
the end to read as follows:


Sec.  1416.403  Eligible losses.

* * * * *
    (g) * * * The qualifying mortality loss will be determined based on 
the eligible trees, bushes, or vines that reached mortality, which 
means that the tree, bush, or vine died, above and below ground, as a 
result of an eligible natural disaster event. If an eligible tree, 
bush, or vine is damaged to such an extent that it is not commercially 
viable, now or at any time in the future, the tree, bush, or vine can 
be considered dead in determining if the requisite qualifying mortality 
loss threshold in paragraph (a) of this section is reached.


Sec.  1416.404  [Amended]

0
29. Amend Sec.  1416.404 in paragraph (a)(2) by removing the words 
``occurring on or after October 1, 2011''.


Sec.  1416.405  [Amended]

0
30. Amend Sec.  1416.405 as follows:
0
a. Remove paragraph (a);
0
b. Redesignate paragraphs (b) through (e) as paragraphs (a) through 
(d), respectively; and
0
c. In newly redesignated paragraph (a), remove the words ``that 
occurred during the 2017 and subsequent calendar years'' and remove the 
words ``by the later of December 3, 2018''.


Sec.  1416.406   [Amended]

0
31. Amend Sec.  1416.406 as follows:
0
a. In paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(2)(i), add the words ``for eligible 
producers, or 75 percent of the actual cost of the practice for an 
eligible producer who is a beginning or veteran farmer or rancher'' 
after the word ``practice'';
0
b. In paragraph (j), remove the words ``occurred on or after October 1, 
2011, can not'' and add the word ``cannot'' in their place.

Richard Fordyce,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
Robert Stephenson,
Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2020-03841 Filed 2-25-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P