Senator Hyde-Smith encourages livestock producers to consider disaster assistance programs

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith is encouraging livestock producers in the state to consider U.S. Department of Agriculture disaster assistance programs to help them recover from prolonged drought.

44 counties are currently experiencing extreme or exceptional drought conditions, including the lower 6 counties.

Congress provided permanent authorization and funding for several agricultural disaster assistance programs, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, emergency assistance for livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish.

“The ongoing drought in Mississippi has caused significant loss in forage availability. I’ve heard from so many livestock producers who are being forced to either suffer tremendous feed and transportation expenses, or to sell their cattle because they can’t afford to keep them,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “Livestock producers in Mississippi may not be familiar with USDA drought assistance programs because we don’t often suffer such extended and severe drought conditions. I encourage affected producers to contact their local Farm Service Agency office to discuss participation in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and/or the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program. Both programs could be useful as we deal with these extremely dry conditions.”

A fact sheet can be found here and you can find a local FSA office here.