Wyden, Merkley: Feds Should Provide Grazing Flexibility and Recovery Assistance

Ranchers, farmers face hardship after unprecedented drought

Oregon's U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley are urging federal agencies to provide grazing flexibility and financial assistance to ranchers and farmers who have suffered economic losses due to the ongoing drought.

Severe drought conditions have caused widespread damage

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 90% of Oregon is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. This has led to widespread crop losses, reduced forage availability for livestock, and increased wildfire risk.

Federal assistance is crucial for recovery

Wyden and Merkley are calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide emergency grazing permits on public lands, expedite financial assistance programs, and offer low-interest loans to help ranchers and farmers recover from their losses.

Grazing flexibility

Grazing permits would allow ranchers to move their livestock to areas with better forage availability, reducing the impact on overgrazed lands and protecting critical habitat.

Financial assistance

Financial assistance programs, such as the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP) program, provide direct payments to producers who have lost livestock or forage due to drought.

Low-interest loans

Low-interest loans would help ranchers and farmers cover the costs of purchasing feed, transporting livestock, and other expenses associated with drought recovery.

Time is of the essence

Wyden and Merkley emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance, noting that ranchers and farmers are facing significant financial hardship due to the drought.

Ranching vital to Oregon economy

The senators highlighted the importance of ranching to Oregon's economy, with the industry contributing over $1 billion annually and supporting over 14,000 jobs.

Conclusion

Wyden and Merkley's request for federal assistance is a critical step towards helping ranchers and farmers recover from the devastating impacts of the ongoing drought. By providing grazing flexibility, financial assistance, and low-interest loans, the federal government can help these producers mitigate their losses and continue to contribute to Oregon's economy.