Voice of Mississippi Agriculture
Agricultural Facts
Depredation permit and sub-permit program
Black Vulture Depredation Program
The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation has a statewide depredation permit that allows for a limited number of black vulture “takes” where black vultures are depredating on livestock. Livestock producers who are experiencing depredation may apply for a Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit that, if approved, will allow producers to protect livestock against black vulture attacks. This program allows for “takes” of black vultures or incidental “takes” of turkey vultures only. Federal regulations for the taking of migratory birds must be followed. No other protected migratory bird species is authorized to be taken under this program.
The Public Policy Department manages the statewide depredation permit and sub-permit program. All applications and reports will be made directly to the Public Policy Department. Because of the limited number of “takes” MFBF is issued, a maximum of three “takes” will be issued to an approved applicant. Interested livestock producers may fill out the sub-permit application below and return it to the Public Policy Department for consideration.
Producers may apply for the MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit by completing the application and returning a signed copy to MFBF. For more information, contact Melissa Holliday at 601.977.4108 or blackvultures@msfb.org.
MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit Application
To be considered, applicants must do the following:
ALL applications must be fully completed, signed and dated with the applicant agreeing to the terms and conditions of the original statewide depredation permit.
ALL approved applicants are required to report the date and number of birds killed under their approved sub-permit by the end of the calendar year. Applicants are not allowed to kill any birds in excess of the number approved in the sub-permit, or of any other migratory bird species. Livestock producers may apply to amend their original sub-permit to include additional “takings,” but must first receive official approval before “taking” additional black vultures. The sub-permit contains an area at the bottom of the page to record approved “takings” of black vultures.
Any livestock producer experiencing severe depredation from black vultures is encouraged to apply for an individual migratory bird depredation permit from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or work with USDA APHIS Wildlife Services to address their specific situation. Producers cannot be issued a depredation permit by USFWS and apply for and be approved for a MFBF depredation sub-permit. MFBF will assist livestock producers experiencing severe depredation in applying, and receiving approval for a USFWS migratory bird depredation permit.
The Migratory Bird Depredation Permit is a federal permit, and all livestock producers applying for and receiving approval of a MFBF Livestock Protection Depredation Sub-Permit will be required to follow ALL USFWS Migratory Bird Depredation Permit rules and regulations. Failure to do so could result in federal citations and fines.
Theft Reward Program
The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) hereby provides that each individual member of a County Farm Bureau (CFB) who has paid dues to the CFB for the applicable membership year is entitled to the benefit of theft reward to a person that satisfied the requirements herein and to whom it will be paid. Any individual, with the exception of those people excluded in Number 2 of the provisions below, who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who commits theft, arson, or vandalism against property (incident) belonging to a Farm Bureau member should be a recipient of a $500 reward.
All of the provisions listed above must be satisfied for the reward to be paid. If more than one person provides information leading to the arrest and conviction, the $500 reward will be divided equally among those eligible, as only one reward will be paid per incident.
For more information about the Theft Reward Program, contact Regional Manager Assistant Melissa Holliday at mholliday@msfb.org or 601-977-4108.
The key provisions to be considered in determining if the reward is to paid are as follows:
The Farm Bureau member whose property is involved must show proof that the reward sign was posted in a conspicuous location at or near the entrance of the property at the time of the incident.
The following persons – if they are the ones providing the information that leads to the arrest and conviction – will not be eligible to receive the monetary reward provided under this benefit: a law enforcement officer or an employee of any Farm Bureau organization or any affiliated company.
Information provided must lead to the arrest and conviction of the party or parties involved.
The Theft Reward must be claimed within six months after conviction. Request forms submitted more than six months after a conviction is made will be rejected.
Supporting documents (such as newspaper clippings, letter from sheriff, copies of court records, etc.) must be attached to the Request Form.
The Regional Manager in the Member’s region will be responsible for further investigation if needed, at the discretion of MFBF.
IMPORTANT: At no time should a commitment be made to the Member by any County Farm Bureau Member or Director, County Farm Bureau Employee, or Independently Contracted Farm Bureau Insurance Agents as to whether or not this benefit will or will not be payable, and any such commitment is invalid.
Land Program
Issues impacting modern property owners run the gamut, and can include anything from mineral rights, recreational uses, agritourism rights, private property rights and taxes, farm laws, eminent domain or farm preservation. The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation Land Program is designed to help address the issues Mississippi property owners face on a daily basis.
For more information about the Land Program, contact Region 3 Regional Manager Britton Hatcher at bhatcher@msfb.org or 662-809-1408.