WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that the USDA will provide surplus USDA stocks of non-fat dry milk to livestock producers in areas hardest hit by continuing drought. Additionally, Veneman said that a Drought Coordinating Council has been formed to monitor ongoing drought conditions and the impact on agriculture producers. The council will coordinate the full array of resources to assist affected producers and communities.
The Drought Coordinating Council brings together resources from the Farm Service Agency; the Risk Management Agency; the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the U.S. Forest Service; the Agricultural Research Service; the Cooperative State Research, Extension and Education Service; the National Agricultural Statistics Service; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; the Agricultural Marketing Service and agencies under Rural Development.
Veneman said the 2003 Livestock Feed Program will provide timely relief for livestock producers in areas hit hardest by drought by making available surplus stocks of non-fat dry milk, which are not intended for nor destined for human consumption. The stocks will be provided at a minimal cost to several states and tribal governments in areas designated as severely impacted by drought.
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