Administration Comes to the Aid of Drought-Afflicted Ranchers

Washington, D.C. (September 19, 2002) – A $750 million drought aid package is on its way to America’s embattled cattle ranchers suffering through the ongoing drought, USDA Secretary Ann Veneman announced today.  This emergency funding will be available almost immediately, and will be placed directly into the Livestock Compensation Program.

Iowa beef producer and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President Wythe Willey said this action is a step towards providing much-needed relief to livestock producers struggling after years of drought.  “We have supported legislative fixes to this problem, but the President saw that the time to act was now, and we appreciate the Administration’s action on this matter,” said Willey.  “It’s not a long-range forecast for rain, but it is the next best thing.” 

Comparable to dust-bowl era conditions, the nation’s drought has cattle ranchers wondering whether to sell their herds or wait for rain.  “In most of California, we’re in our third year of drought,” reports Rob Frost, California Producer, and President of the California Cattlemen’s Association. “We are struggling with the lowest rainfall reported in the past 150 years, and our big problem is that it is going to take 2-3 years for the range to recover even after the rains normalize, so we sure need the help.”

“Certain areas of South Dakota are just totally devastated,” says Merrill Karlen, South Dakota Producer, and President of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association.  “Many don’t know where they’re going to find the grass and hay to feed their cattle this winter.”  This funding announced today will help producers provide winter feed. 

“It is kind of refreshing to have such support on this issue and have everyone working together, but you know, we’re all Americans and we’re all farmers,” says Frost. 

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