Additional Feed Assistance To Become Available for Livestock Producers

Cattle producers in regions hardest hit by drought will receive special attention from a new Drought Coordinating Council, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced today.  USDA has developed the Council to monitor ongoing drought conditions, their impact on producers, and to coordinate resources to assist affected producers and communities. 

"This proactive approach on the part of the USDA reinforces in the minds of cattle producers that their needs are recognized by this Administration," says Eric Davis, Idaho cattleman and president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA).  "NCBA and the USDA have been working together to find creative solutions to the continuing drought, and this is another positive step for cattle producers who are suffering."

Secretary Veneman said today the USDA is making available surplus stocks of non-fat dry milk to livestock producers in areas hardest hit by drought.  "One of our most pressing concerns right now is the ability of pasture and grazing lands to support livestock herds," said Veneman.  "Non-fat dry milk can serve as a high quality source of protein to maintain foundation livestock herds in this critical time."

NCBA is also working with USDA to develop and implement pasture, range and forage programs that producers could use to deal with the consequences of drought.  The development of these tools is based on provisions that NCBA developed as part of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000.

At the Board of Director's meeting in February, producers made clear that disaster assistance remains a huge priority as many areas of the country are still suffering from years of drought.  Producers adopted formal resolutions to pursue adequate funding for those adversely impacted by disaster conditions.

"The 2003 Livestock Feed Program announced today will help ranchers in areas with dry pastures, and the Drought Coordinating Council will continue to monitor these areas and pursue additional programs for livestock producers hit hardest by drought." says Davis.  "This Administration has remained committed to cattle producers nationwide.  We are grateful to have the USDA as a partner in these endeavors."