United States-Drought hurting farmers.

UNITED STATES.

Drought Posing Challenges to Producers Across the Country

In the past few years, drought has been a serious concern for farmers and ranchers, not only in California and Texas-which is currently experiencing an all-time record drought situation-but throughout the Southeast, particularly in states like Georgia and Tennessee. For example, Tennessee has seen their beef cow herd drop by 18% in the past two years, largely as a result of a significant drought situation in the state.

In the areas of the nation hit hardest by drought, many cow-calf producers have been unable to maintain sufficient hay and grassland to feed their herd, and have been forced to sell off breeding stock. And once these areas do receive rain, producers are still faced with the challenge of pasture management and renewal.

The U.S. Departments of Interior (DOI) and Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the creation of a Federal Drought Action Team that will work cooperatively to respond to communities facing significant drought. The Federal Drought Action Team will include representatives appointed by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, along with representatives from other federal agencies.

Similarly, and as part of the 2008 Farm Bill, NCBA supported the creation of the Permanent Disaster Assistance Trust Fund which will provide support for all producers affected by natural disasters, including droughts. This program has yet to be finalized by USDA. We hope that this fund along with new Federal Drought Action Team will help alleviate some of the challenges our producers are currently facing as a result of drought.