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USDA Offers Special Drought Relief to Dairy Producers in 37 States The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a new $752-million funding package for cattle and other livestock farmers and ranchers in all or parts of 37 states affected by drought. Payments will be based on standard feed consumption data for eligible type of livestock. The payment rate for dairy cows is $31.50 per head, with a $40,000 maximum payment per person. These drought payments are in addition to the counter-cyclical support payments going out to dairy farmers as a result of the 2002 farm bill."This program will provide immediate assistance to producers who need it the most," said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. "The Bush Administration continues to use every available tool to provide disaster assistance to America's farmers and ranchers who have been struck by severe drought conditions. This program will particularly help livestock producers who have very few risk management tools available to help during these difficult times." The sign-up period for this new program began October 1. The cash assistance will be made available statewide in Arizona, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina and Utah. Assistance will also be available in specified counties in the following states: California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming.
Posted October 7, 2002 |
