Cattlemen Applaud Disaster Assistance Bill

Washington, D.C. (October 7, 2004) – Cattle producers suffering hurricane damage may find help within a disaster relief package which passed unanimously  (412-0) last night in the House of Representatives. 

The $10.9 billion emergency supplemental bill, H.R. 5212, will provide funding for states hit by hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, and by Tropical Storm Bonnie.  The measure is expected to go to conference as early as today as part of the fiscal 2005 Homeland Security bill.

“This is great news for our producers in Florida and Alabama, many of whose operations and cattle herds are still suffering because of this string of storms,” says Colin Woodall, manager of legislative affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).  “The Southeast is a key cattle-producing area, and those animals play a vital role in keeping our industry healthy.”

The series of storms came just as the region’s cow-calf producers began shipping calves to feedlots, a season that continues through October.

On Aug. 27, President Bush called for funding and resources to assist agriculture producers impacted by the hurricanes, and NCBA has been working with state legislatures and Congress to appropriate whatever funds are necessary to help.  NCBA also coordinated assistance efforts within its membership, giving producers nationwide an opportunity to help producers in storm-ravaged areas.

“It’s heartwarming to see how many people want to help, and to be part of this important effort,” says Woodall.  “But there is still more to be done, and we’re hopeful Congress will see this bill gets final approval this week so funding can get into the hands of producers who need it.”

H.R. 5212 includes approximately $565 million for agricultural assistance.  Of that, $230 million will be for the Emergency Watershed Protection program and the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP).  The ECP is the program that will help cattle producers most.  Both the House and Senate will seek to increase hurricane assistance in conference.