US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has announced $780 million in assistance to help farmers and ranchers manage drought and weather-related production challenges. This funding includes a new $50 million programme for livestock producers impacted by drought, focusing nearly $30 million in unused conservation funds on drought, and accelerating the delivery of an estimated $700 million in counter-cyclical payments.

The new $50 million programme for livestock producers, called the Livestock Assistance Grant Programme, will provide $50 million to states in block grant form. States will distribute to livestock producers in counties that were designated as ‘D3’ or ‘D4’ on the Drought Monitor anytime between March 7 and August 31, 2006. The grants will help livestock producers restore their purchasing power.