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UPDATED Media Advisory: USDA Officials Stand with Farmers and Ranchers Affected by Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters
Agriculture Officials Touring States Gripped by Disaster, Encouraging Congress to Restore Disaster Assistance by Passing Food, Farm and Jobs Bill
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2012 — As serious drought conditions continue to creep across nearly two-thirds of the lower 48 states, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials are fanning out to rural communities across the country to show support to farmers and ranchers affected by a string of extreme weather in 2012.
During the 2012 crop year, USDA has designated 1,297 counties across 29 states as disaster areas, making all qualified farm operators in the areas eligible for low-interest emergency loans. In the weeks ahead, additional USDA subcabinet leaders will travel to Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and others to augment ongoing assistance from state-level USDA staff. USDA officials will also provide guidance on the department’s existing disaster resources and remind producers to keep thorough records of losses as the department’s authority to operate the five disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill expired on Sept. 30, 2011.
U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of U.S. producers. A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture.
Additional information and updates on USDA's efforts can be found at www.usda.gov/disaster or USDA's drought page.
GEORGIA
Monday, July 23, 2012
10:30 a.m. EDT
WHAT: Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan tour a farm in Georgia affected by the 2012 disasters.
WHERE: Wilbon Gregg Farm
1232 Haynes Rd., Edison, GA
NEW MEXICO
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
8 a.m. EDT
WHAT: FSA Administrator Juan Garcia will host a roundtable with New Mexico and West Texas producers to discuss USDA disaster assistance efforts.
WHERE: Dona Ana County FSA Office
2507 N. Telshor Blvd.
Las Cruces, NM
* Media availability to follow
MISSOURI
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
12:45pm CDT
WHAT: RMA administrator Bill Murphy will visit the farm of Warren Stemme’s and view
damage from 2012 disasters
WHERE: 165 River Valley Dr, St. Louis, MO
4 pm CDT
WHAT: RMA administrator Bill Murphy will visit the farm of Aaron Whelan
WHERE: 25834 Monroe Road 519, Stoutsville, MO
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
12:30pm CDT
WHAT: RMA administrator Bill Murphy will meet with Producers
WHERE: Rupe Community Center
710 Harvest Hills Road
Carrollton, MO
Thursday, July 26, 2012
2:30pm CDT
WHAT: FFAS Deputy Under Secretary Karis Gutter will meet with local producers affected by the drought
WHERE: Delta Growers Association
313 South Highway 105, Charleston, MO
TEXAS
Friday, July 27, 2012
7 a.m. CDT
WHAT: FSA Administrator Juan Garcia will host a roundtable with Texas producers to discuss Administration drought assistance efforts.
WHERE: Producers Cooperative
1800 North Texas Avenue
Bryan, Texas
*Media availability to follow
8 p.m. EDT
WHAT: FSA Administrator Juan Garcia will highlight Administration disaster assistance efforts at the Southeast Texas Regional Cattlemen’s Association in Texas.
WHERE: Bay City Civic Center
201 7th Street
Bay City, TX
*Media availability to follow
