REMINDER to Farmers: Applications for Golden Hay Relief due by Dec. 31

Dec. 31 is the application deadline for the Golden Hay Relief Program, which helps livestock producers pay for transportation of hay and alternative feeds purchased in North Carolina and trucked to their farms.

The cost-share program is funded by a $500,000 grant from the Golden LEAF Foundation to assist producers of cattle, sheep, goats and horses.

The reimbursement amount will be determined by dividing the $500,000 by the amount of money requested by farmers in approved applications. Farmers will be reimbursed for a percentage of their transportation costs, not to exceed 50 percent.

Farmers can download an application and eligibility criteria from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Hay Alert Web site, www.ncagr.com/HayAlert. Or they can call toll free 1-866-506-6222 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Hay Alert site and hotline also help farmers find hay and transportation.