2012 Drought

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Lack of rainfall this year coupled with unusually warm temperatures have resulted in drought conditions in nearly every county in Nebraska. Farmers and ranchers are struggling to feed their livestock and maintain healthy crops. As they continue to work tirelessly to feed a growing population, federal and state governments are working to provide much-needed relief.

The United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the all Nebraska counties primary or contiguous Secretarial disaster designations as a result of drought conditions. This allows farmers and ranchers in these counties to be eligible on a case-by-case basis for emergency loans with reduced interest rates.

Additionally, on July 19, I requested that Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack approve statewide emergency haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program lands in Nebraska. I was pleased when on July 23, the Secretary approved this request. The Secretary is also allowing producers to modify Environmental Quality Incentives Program contracts and allowing haying and grazing on Wetlands Reserve Program acres. This relief is much needed for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers struggling to cope with forage needs during one of the worst droughts in our country’s history.

These steps go hand-in-hand with the actions of Governor Dave Heineman in early July. The Governor authorized an emergency declaration for statewide drought, which allows the state of Nebraska to provide personnel and resources to assist in drought emergencies. He also opened roadside haying and grazing across the state as of July 5, administered through an application process.

The drought highlights the need for Congress to pass a farm bill this year. I’ve heard over and over again from Nebraska producers that crop insurance is the best protection against Mother Nature. The Senate-passed farm bill strengthens crop insurance provisions. It also extends disaster assistance programs for livestock growers, which expired last fall. It is important to reinstate these programs and I encourage those in the House of Representatives to move forward with a farm bill that does so.

I will continue to monitor the drought situation in Nebraska and continue to support relief efforts. I encourage producers to be in touch with your local Farm Service Agency staff and crop insurance agent. You are always welcome to call any of my offices across the state or in DC if you have questions, comments or need assistance. Click here for my contact information or here to send me your comments.