Contact: Rob Ostrander 202.224.5721 Rich Chrismer 202.224.4812
Wednesday, May 26, 2004

WASHINGTON, DC - Missouri U.S. Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent today asked Agriculture Secretary, Ann Veneman, to approve Missouri's request for a disaster declaration as a result of Monday's storms and tornados.

On Monday, severe storms and tornados resulted in flooding and large hail in Gentry, Livingston and Linn counties. In a letter Bond and Talent wrote to Secretary Veneman, the Senators stressed that farmers in these counties experienced damage to outbuildings, machinery, and grain bins. Also, the crop damage will reduce yields in wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay.

"It is our hope that you will grant this request promptly, to help Missouri farmers recover from the storm damage. Along with our fellow Missourians, we eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance," the Senators wrote in their letter to Veneman.

Following the tornados that swept the state in the Spring of 2003, Bond and Talent worked together to provide the federal relief Missouri communities needed to rebuild. The Senators pledged they would again team up to ensure that federal agencies provide all available help to Missourians affected by Monday's tornados.

***A copy of the letter is attached

May 26, 2004

Ann M. Veneman

Secretary of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Veneman:

Recently the Governor of Missouri requested a disaster declaration for Gentry, Livingston and Linn counties along with contiguous counties. This declaration is in response to Monday's, severe storms and tornados which resulted in flooding and large hail.

Farmers in these counties have experienced damage to outbuildings, machinery and grain bins. The crop damage which resulted will reduce the yields in wheat, corn, soybeans, and hay.

A declaration for the these counties will allow farmers to access farm programs such as the low interest loan program. This will help farmers to get through this season and purchase their seed and fertilizer for the next growing season.

It is our hope that you will grant the Governor's request promptly, to help Missouri farmers recover from the storm damage. Along with our fellow Missourians, we eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance.

Sincerely,

Christopher S. Bond

James M. Talent