Contact: Ernie Blazar 202.224.7627 Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Thursday, August 28, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator Kit Bond today announced that he has urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman to grant a disaster declaration for 39 counties in Missouri due to severe drought conditions.

“Once again Missouri’s agricultural community has been hit hard by drought,â€쳌 said Bond. “Our farmers and ranchers need immediate relief, and this declaration will help.â€쳌

Currently, farmers in Missouri are experiencing the severest drought in recent history. Hardest hit are Northwest and West Central Missouri, with the Northwest region suffering two years with drought conditions. Corn yields will be down to 50 percent or less of normal yields and if rain does not come soon the soybean crop will be at 50 percent or less of average yields.

A disaster declaration request for Missouri came recently from state officials, Bond hopes with his urging the request will be quickly approved (text of letter to Veneman attached). A disaster declaration would allow farmers to access farm programs, such as the low interest loan program, which are vital to helping farmers get through this season and purchase their seed and fertilizer for the next growing season.

Already this season, the Missouri Farm Service Agency Board has extended haying and grazing of CRP land at Bond's request, but Bond feels further action is needed to bring real relief to farmers.

Senator Bond served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to the state in his third term in the United States Senate.

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August 26, 2003

Ann M. Veneman

Secretary of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture

1400 Independence Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Veneman:

Recently the Governor of Missouri requested a disaster declaration for 39 counties in Missouri. This declaration is the result of ongoing drought conditions.

Farmers in Missouri are experiencing the severest drought in recent history. Hardest hit are Northwest and West Central Missouri with the Northwest region suffering two years with drought conditions. Currently, corn yields will be down to 50% or less of normal yields and if rain is not forthcoming in the next couple of weeks the soybean crop will be at 50% or less of average yields.

A declaration for the 39 counties will allow farmers to access farm programs such as the low interest loan program. This will help farmers to get through this season and purchase their seed and fertilizer for the next growing season.

At my request, the Missouri Farm Service Agency Board has extended haying and grazing of CRP land. This extension will provide further assistance to the farmers who are suffering in this drought.

It is my hope that you will grant the Governor's request promptly, to help Missouri farmers recover from the drought. Along with my fellow Missourians, I eagerly await your decision on this request for assistance.

Sincerely,

Christopher S. Bond