June 7, 2010

Hawaiian livestock farmers to get governmental aid

Livestock farmers on the Big Island may feel some relief since they are now eligible for federal assistance due to continuing drought conditions.

The USDA opened applications for drought benefits on Friday (June 4) under the Livestock Forage Disaster Programme.

According to the National Weather Service, extreme drought conditions will reach the one year mark on Monday (June 7) - making Hawaii's drought conditions the worst in the nation. The state had previously received US$5.5 million dollars in drought aid over the past two years.

Applications for the benefits will be accepted until February 2011.