November 3, 2008
GOVERNOR HUNTSMAN DECLARES AGRICULTURAL DISASTER
Also Seeks Federal Designation
Salt Lake City -- Utah Governor Jon M. Huntsman has issued an Agricultural Disaster Declaration for six Utah counties. The declaration is in response to damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as drought, cold temperatures, high winds, fire, and freezing temperatures that exist in the affected counties. The six counties are: Garfield, Millard, Sanpete, Kane, Piute, and Box Elder.
The vast majority of farmers and ranchers in these counties have suffered minimum crop and forage production losses of at least 30 percent, which qualifies them for disaster declaration. The estimated financial loss is estimated to be $28.7 million to date. Some producers have been severely impacted by grazing losses and have been forced to liquidate their herds due to lack of forage.
High forage and feed costs as well as increased transportation costs will weigh heavily on an industry already facing many challenges.
Governor Huntsman is also calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a national “Agricultural Disaster” for qualifying counties in the state.
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, Governor Huntsman seeks assistance to provide relief for the hundreds of farmers and ranchers who face substantial crop loss due to these conditions.
“I offer my full support for the efforts to find meaningful relief for our affected farmers and ranchers,” Governor Huntsman said.
Farmers and ranchers should contact their USDA-FSA office for information about potential assistance.
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