News Release 8-28-2000 |
|
|
RECOVERY PROGRAM PREVENTS FURTHER DAMAGE TO FARMING FROM THE DROUGHT OF 1999 CHARLESTON, W.VA – Unlike a flood or other sudden natural disasters, a drought damages water sources by slowly depleting the available water supplies. Although the agricultural economy of West Virginia suffered a loss of more than $200 million, the long-term effects of the 1999 drought are still being witnessed. One area that brought great concern to agricultural leaders was the effect of the drought on pastureland. A lack of suitable vegetation combined with erosion could create great hardships for farmers with livestock, and negatively impact the environment by damaging the water quality of streams and rivers. Throughout the drought, Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) strongly consider West Virginia for assistance in helping farmers repair their pastureland. "West Virginia is known for our grasslands, and we depend on these lands to feed our livestock," said Commissioner Douglass. "An effective Pasture Recovery Program that would provide for seed and fertilizer was vital to perpetuate the livestock industry in the Mountain State." Working with Billy Burke, the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA), a program was developed with the full support of U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. "Senator Byrd was the key to this program's success," said Burke. "With his support, West Virginia was given the national attention needed to ensure that we received our share of the disaster relief." Once funding was secured, the Pasture Recovery Program (PRP) reseeded damaged permanent grazing land with assistance from USDA-FSA. Livestock producers were able to request reimbursement of 50 percent of the average cost to reseed and apply a minimal amount of fertilizer to pasture that was severely damaged due to the extreme heat and drought last year. The drought began in July 1998, with unseasonable warm temperatures and drying winds. The available ground and service water supplies had had no recharge during the winter, and were declining. In May, 90-degree temperatures increased the severity of the 1999 drought. Immediate assistance was provided by Commissioner Douglass with the WVDA distributing hay and other feedstuffs from various parts of the country. The USDA approved the use of the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) for the development of emergency water supplies for livestock. Through the cooperative effort of federal and state personnel resources and programs, the effects of the heat and drought were lessened dramatically. However, as the winter of 1999 approached, it was evident that grazing land had taken a severe blow to its health and productiveness. Throughout the winter, with continuous urging from Commissioner Douglass and others, the FSA developed the PRP to be applied on land that "was so damaged or destroyed by drought during 1999 that seeding is required to reestablish the forage crop" on land dedicated to use of grazing livestock. By March of 2000, plans were in place for 23 states, including West Virginia, to begin taking requests at FSA offices for the program. As the signup deadline approaches, 6,051 requests had been filed by State livestock producers, which represented $6,741,518 worth of assistance by USDA. The West Virginia FSA State Committee had established a $51 payment rate per acre, which accounted for 50 percent of the average total cost of seeding operations. Producers were limited to $2,500 of benefits, and must take upon themselves the needs of other areas, beyond those of which were eligible for USDA assistance. While there are still concerns about availability of water in some southern counties, the majority of West Virginia received adequate moisture since April of this year. With the seeding and fertilizing operations, most producers are able to rotate livestock through their grazing systems, providing additional management care for the stressed forage. Seedlings and existing vegetation are in an excellent growing season for management care to reestablish adequate cover to prevent erosion and productivity of forage for livestock. Commissioner Douglass appreciates this opportunity for the farmers of West Virginia. "Good pasture means good cattle," Commissioner Douglass said. "Due to our great grasslands, West Virginia can raise cattle on less acreage than other states. It translates to quality over quantity. Simply put, our pastures are the 'bread and butter' of West Virginia's farming." All applications of seed and fertilizer must be completed by September 30, 2000. For more information, contact your local FSA office. |
|
|
|
|
©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
|
|
Contact the Webmaster
|
|
|
|