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"We need to ensure that American farmers and ranchers are fixtures in the countryside, not an exhibit at the Smithsonian."

˜ Ben Nelson

Related Issues & News

Drought2012 Drought Resources

Higher than normal temperatures and lack of rain have resulted in severe drought conditions across Nebraska. As of July 19th, the University of Nebraska Drought Monitor reported that approximately 19.5% of Nebraska was experiencing "abnormally to moderately dry" drought conditions, 75.5% was experiencing "severely dry" drought, and nearly 5% was experiencing "extremely dry" drought.

In response to the growing crisis, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has announced additional flexibiliy to disaster relief programs within the Secretary's existing authority. The reforms streamlined the process for Secretarial disaster designations, reduced the emergency loan interest rate from 3.75 to 2.24, reduced the grazing fee for disaster-hit counties authorized to use Conservation Reserve Program lands and encouraged crop insurance companies to provide a short grace period for farmers on unpaid insurance premiums. Already, the USDA has authorized emergency use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres in all 93 Nebraska counties.

On July 19th, I sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack, noting my appreciation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) swift-implementation of drought aid measures, and encouraged continuing aid for Nebraska's farmers and livestock producers during the drought.

With little relief in the forecast, these extreme conditions present a critical threat to the livelihood and financial security of our farmers and livestock producers. With so much at stake, Nebraska needs Congress to pass the Farm Bill now. On June 21, 2012 the U.S. Senate gave bipartisan approval to its five-year Farm Bill (the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012). The bill renews critical disaster programs for livestock producers, such as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and the Livestock Forage Program (LFP), while protecting producers from farm-level revenue losses with the creation of the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program. The House Agriculture Committee approved its version earlier this month, but action by the full House of Representatives has been stalled. 

Looking ahead, I promise to continue to monitor the drought and work to ensure our farmers and ranchers continue to receive the assistance they need. Below are some resources, information, emergency contacts and updates Nebraskans affected by the drought and others may find useful.

Recent Updates

September 11, 2012 USDA Drought Monitor Map

August 15, 2012 USDA Drought Disaster Updates

August 13, 2012 Column: Nebraska Hit Hard By Spreading Drought

August 9, 2012 Touring Drought-Stricken Nebraska, Nelson Continues Call for Farm Bill

August 8, 2012 Nelson Briefed By National Drought Mitigation Center, Renews Call for House to Pass Farm Bill

August 1, 2012 FEDERAL AND LOCAL FIREFIGHTING HALTS NEBRASKA FIRES, BUT HOUSE LEADERS DEFAULT ON DISASTER AID

July 25, 2012 NEMA: Region 24 Complex Good Progress Made on Fires

July 25, 2012 NELSON CALLS ON HOUSE TO PASS VITAL WILDFIRE AND DROUGHT RELIEF PROVISIONS

July 25, 2012 Omaha World Herald: NE Wildfire crews making headway

July 24, 2012 Lincoln Journal Star: Nebraska Wildfire Photos

July 24, 2012 Omaha World Herald: Storm could make Niobrara River Valley fire worse

July 24, 2012 The Grand Island Independent: Wildfires in north-central Nebraska threatens town

July 24, 2012 Nebraska Emergency Management Agency: Firefighters Make Progress to Hold the Line

July 24, 2012 USDA Forest Service: Ash Creek fire reported 25% contained

July 20, 2012 NELSON URGES HOUSE TO PASS FARM BILL, BRING DROUGHT RELIEF TO NEBRASKA AG PRODUCERS

July 11, 2012 NELSON: USDA ANNOUNCEMENT A WELCOME RELIEF FOR NEBRASKA PRODUCERS IMPACTED BY THE DROUGHT

Resources

Nebraska Drought Central
Website:http://www.droughtcentral.nebraska.gov/

FederalEmergency Management Agency
FEMA on Wildfire Preparedness

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency
Website: http://www.nema.ne.gov/index.shtml
Phone: Operations--24 hour contact (402) 471-7421
SEOC (Toll Free) 1-877-297-2368

USDA and Risk Management Agency
USDA Disaster and Drought Assistance
Frequently Asked Questions Crop Insurance & Drought-Damaged Crops
Crop Insurance FAQ

Nebraska State Farm Service Agency
Phone: (402) 437-5581
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/stateoffapp?mystate=ne&area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing
Emergency Disaster Designation and Declaration Process

IRS
Farmer's IRS Tax Guide with provisions related to livestock sales caused by weather

University of Nebraska Lincoln
U.S. Drought Monitor 
University of Nebraska Extension 

Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Nebraska Department of Agriculture Hay and Forage Hotline: Phone (800) 422-6692
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Nebraska Hay Harvest Permit Info

Federal Disaster Assistance
Federal Disaster Assistance Guide