Questions about set asside program now that border is open

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

With animals now crossing the U.S. border, here are some Set-Aside Program Questions and Answers.
Q. I have calves in the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside Program, and cattle are now moving across the border. What does this mean? Can I sell the calves?
A. Now that the border is open and live cattle have crossed the border, calves enrolled in the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside are released from the program effective immediately. Producers are free to market their calves as they see fit, and there are no slaughter restrictions. All producers with calves enrolled in the program will receive written notification to confirm that their calves are released, but sales of set-aside calves can occur prior to receipt of the letter.
If you have any further questions, you can call the program toll-free number at 1-888-292-5856.
Q. Will I get to keep the $200 payment from the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside Program?
A. Producers keep the $200 per-head payment from the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside program. You do not have to pay any of the $200 per-head payment back.
Q. Can I remove the red-backed tags from the calves I enrolled in the Feeder Cattle Set-Aside Program?
A. You cannot remove the CCIA RFID set-aside tags. It is a federal offense under the Health of Animals Regulations (Canada) to remove a CCIA tag. Producers charged with the offense can face a fine of up to $3000.
Q. I have cattle in the Fed Cattle Set-Aside Program, and cattle are now moving across the border. What does this mean? Can I sell them?
A. Due to the uncertainty of the impending R-Calf vs. USDA court case, the Fed Cattle Set-Aside program has not been terminated at this time. However beginning on July 20, 2005, producers will have the option to withdraw accepted bid lots of enrolled cattle from the Fed Cattle Set-Aside program at any time before the 91 day set-aside period is up. Producers wishing to voluntary withdraw cattle from the program may do so only with the pre-authorization of OMAFRA. Payments will be based on the actual number of days on set-aside (from the date of the successful bid until the date they are authorized by OMAFRA to be released).
Producers are reminded that cattle removed from the set-aside program without the experts permission of OMAFRA will be subject to administrative penalties that may include forfeiting any program payments owed to them.
More information is available by calling the program toll-free number at 1-888-292-5856.
Q. Will there be a fed cattle set-aside auction next Monday?
A. No. The Fed Cattle Set-Aside Program weekly auctions have been suspended until further notice.
Dates to Remember
July 27 - Emo Research Station Open House, 7:00 p.m.
July 28 - RR Soil & Crop Tour