USDA Offers Drought Relief for Cattle Farmers, Says Collins

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it is working to offer relief to farmers regarding the ongoing drought in Georgia.

On Wednesday, the USDA announced that Georgia cattlemen are now eligible for increased relief as the historic drought continues in Georgia as U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has extended the 2016 grazing season from October 31 to December 1.

According to 9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins’ office, under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, or LFP, cattlemen receive reimbursement based on how many head of cattle they have, their acreage, and the drought level and time length within that level.

The LFP compensates farmers whose grazing land withers under drought conditions, forcing them to purchase hay or other feed to sustain their livestock.

More than 1,100 farmers in the 9th District have applied for drought relief through the LFP as of October 13.

Collins said his team has reached out to the USDA’s Farm Service Agency to request an extension of the grazing season and this decision by the USDA allows farmers struggling under the devastating dry spell to qualify for an additional month of payment to offset increased feed costs.

This announcement came one day after Collins, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, and others drew attention to the drought at an event in Lavonia.