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| May 18, 2006 |
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Rehberg Urges USDA to Issue Disaster Determinations for 7 Montana Counties Counties Include: Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie and Wibaux |
| WASHINGTON, DC - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, urged Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to issue disaster determinations for seven Montana counties in the wake of livestock losses suffered by farmers and ranchers during an April blizzard. Rehberg is seeking determinations for Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Powder River, Prairie and Wibaux Counties. “The blizzard that swept through southeastern Montana last month had catastrophic effects on some of the area’s ranchers,” said Rehberg. “Many have suffered financially as a result. A disaster determination will give them the opportunity to apply for assistance to help them get back on their feet.” The storm, which hit during peek calving and lambing season, lasted for four days, with winds surpassing 60 miles per hour and snow accumulation of three feet in some areas. Some producers endured losses of up to 300 head. In total, approximately 1,600 animals died and early estimates indicate financial losses will be more than $1 million. “The livestock industry is critical to Montana and I’m going to do whatever I can to help the producers in southeastern Montana get the assistance they need so they can do what they do best: put food on the tables of families across the country and state,” added Rehberg. Letter: May 17, 2006 Secretary Mike Johanns United States Department of Agriculture 200 Administration Building 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250 Dear Secretary Johanns, I would like to bring to your attention a situation that is very important to Montana agricultural producers. In April 2006, areas of southeastern Montana experienced an extremely damaging blizzard. During this four day storm, producers endured 60 mile per hour winds with accumulations of up to 36 inches of snow. This storm hit during peak calving and lambing season and some producers suffered losses of over 300 head. Along with the livestock losses, farmers and ranchers are encountering the destruction of miles of fence and other vital infrastructure. With Montana’s producers in mind, I urge you to immediately issue Natural Disaster Determinations (NDD) for the following seven (7) counties in the state of Montana: Carter, Fallon, Custer, Powder River, Prairie, Dawson and Wibaux. With this declaration, our farmers and ranchers will be able to take advantage of programs such as low interest loans and other financial safety nets. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Denny Rehberg |
