Napolitano Announces Aid For Arizona Ranchers

Gov. Janet Napolitano today announced the start of an application process for Arizona livestock producers to receive aid brought on by the impact of the 2006 drought. In August 2006, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) granted the Arizona Dept. of Agriculture (ADA) more than $2.4 million to distribute through the 2006 Livestock Assistance Grant Program.

“The 2006 drought adversely impacted Arizona’s livestock & brought unanticipated costs to Az. ranchers,” Gov. Napolitano said. “By working with USDA Secretary Mike Johanns, we were able to secure funds to assist our ranchers & continue the Az. livestock industry.”

USDA selected 13 Arizona counties for the program, using the U.S. Drought Monitors from March 9th, 2006 to Aug. 31st, 2006 as the basis for the selection. The money will be allocated to beef cattle & sheep producers in Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, Maricopa, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai & Yuma Counties.

“Livestock is an important industry to Arizona and we must maintain it,” ADA Director Donald Butler said. “This aid will help ranchers recover from the costs associated with the drought, such as supplemental feed, relocating livestock, increased feed transportation costs, & emergency water supply needs.”

To download the application, visit azda.gov, under “Livestock Assistance Grant Program” or visit Farm Service Agency offices or University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offices. Applications must be returned to the Az. Dept. of Agriculture by 5 p.m. Fri., Dec. 29th, 2006 or postmarked by that date.