October 6,  2020

US cattle association highlights relief programmes for producers affected by natural disasters

Several federal disaster relief programmes are available for US beef producers stricken by natural disasters, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) said.

"The wildfires and hurricanes that have plagued the country these last few weeks are significant disasters that are hurting cattle producers in multiple ways. From flooded operations, burned rangeland, decreased forage due to drought and smoke inhalation risks for cattle and producers alike, this is a trying time for producers," said NCBA CEO Colin Woodall.

"Everyone needs to take a close look at the federal, state and local resources available that are designed to help provide relief to producers, their families and their livestock," he added. "Our biggest concern is the well-being of everyone in the path of these disasters. Know your evacuation routes and exercise extreme caution when dealing with these deadly forces of nature. Thank you to the first responders on the front lines who have been battling these fires and floods every day."

Ranchers and farmers are urged to utilise several tools from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). These programmes include the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), Emergency Farm Loans, Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Livestock Forage Program (LFP).

NCBA has also set up a page that aggregates all disaster relief information in one place, that includes state specific resources, contact numbers and donation information.

- NCBA