The Department of Agriculture is reaching out to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural operations in states that have been affected by severe weather.
Recent extreme weather has been a major strain on farmers and ranchers in several U.S. states. Some have suffered from intense floods, tornadoes, fires and droughts and have cause economic problems in rural areas for agriculture operations. Droughts and wildfires have rocked the Southwest, especially Arizona and New Mexico, and flooding has impacted the Midwest states of Nebraska and Iowa.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has continued to tour weather impacted states and has vowed to continue to offer aid to farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural operations in these states to minimize the economic problems.
MSNBC reported that flooding has been a major problem as the Missouri River has reached historic levels along more than 800 miles. So far more than 560,000 acres in seven states of flooded, with close to 447,000 acres of that land being farmland, due to snowpacks melting in the Rocky Mountains and intense spring storms.
Drought has also become problematic in many states, including Oklahoma. News OK reported that 58 percent of the state is suffering from "exceptional drought" this past week, which is up 14 percent from the previous week. The news site also noted that the drought is moving eastward and the heat is being detrimental to vegetation and cropland soil.
Secretary Vilsack commented on the aid being made available and acknowledged the major impact intense weather has on agricultural operations and rural America. Vilsack said, "America's farmers and rural communities are vitally important to our nation's economy and our values, and my heart goes out to all who are facing hardships because of severe weather and natural disasters. In the past two months alone, I have visited with hundreds of Americans who have had to put their lives and livelihoods on hold to deal with floods, tornadoes, drought and wildfires. Since the beginning, I have instructed USDA staff in the affected states that our main priority must be to work with farmers, ranchers and others to explain the type of aid that is available. We will continue to listen to your concerns and, whenever possible, offer assistance to help you through these difficult times."
The USDA is reminding producers, ranchers, and farmers about the specific aid being made available, including losses to crops, trees, livestock, and private forests. Additionally, the USDA stated that it is continuing to work with local and state governments to bring aid.
Rachel Bogart provides an in-depth look at current environmental issues and local Chicago news stories. As a college student from the Chicago suburbs pursuing two science degrees, she applies her knowledge and passion to both topics to garner further public awareness.
4 comments