Press Release- Jan 26, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FRIDAY, JAN. 26, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720-350-8370
Christi Lightcap, Colorado Department of Agriculture, 303.239.4190
USDA APPROVES BLIZZARD-RELIEF LOANS TO RANCHERS IN 10 SOUTHEAST COLORADO COUNTIES
Acting on Gov. Ritter's request, the federal government has made available emergency loans for ranchers and farmers in 10 southeast Colorado counties who sustained agriculture and livestock losses in last month's blizzards.
Loans are available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture for those in Baca, Bent, Crowley, El Paso, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo counties.
In addition, the USDA has named 10 other counties as contiguous disaster areas, and family farmers in those counties may also qualify for Farm Service Agency loans. Those counties are: Alamosa, Cheyenne, Costilla, Custer, Douglas, Elbert, Fremont, Lincoln, Saguache and Teller.
The loans will cover production and infrastructure losses incurred during the back-to-back blizzards and their continuing effects.
Ritter met with U.S. Rep. John Salazar this morning and will continue to work with the entire congressional delegation to supplement the USDA loans with grants and additional financial assistance.
"I'm pushing our delegation to do everything possible to assist our farmers and ranchers," Ritter said. "The losses will only get worse as more storms hit, as the snow melts and as calving seasons begins. Our livestock are distressed and our farmers and ranchers are at the breaking point."
An estimated 10,000 cattle died in the storm. The area is home to 345,000 head of cattle and calves, 23,500 head of producing sows and 112,000 head of sheep and lambs, all with an estimated value of $500 million. Livestock contributes 70% to Colorado's agricultural gross product.