August 28, 2006

US cattle producers in Texas appeal for federal aid

Cattle ranchers in Texas are looking to the federal government for help after being afflicted with close to US$1.6 billion losses in livestock this year due to a combination of severe drought and high feed prices.

Both The 'Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association' and the 'Texas Cattle Feeders Association' are appealing for federal aid through letters to Congress.

Drought conditions have made it hard to grow feed, forcing some producers to sell off their cattle at a younger age and a lower price.

Cattle ranchers hope the money afforded by the federal government can help to take some burden off the high cost of feed and replace lost livestock so as to alleviate the situation.

When ranchers sold off cattle early, it would have an effect that would last for the next several years as they have lost the base from which to build further profits, ranchers said.

Other organisations such as the National Wheat Board are also throwing their support behind the letter.

David Cleavinger, Vice President of the National Wheat Board said part of homeland security is a stable agricultural economy adding that if the food supply is threatened, America would be in trouble as a nation.