Udall Welcomes President's Swift Steps to Aid Colorado Ranchers, Implement Drought-Assistance Programs Udall Championed

Press Release

Mark Udall, a strong advocate for Colorado's job-creating agricultural economy, welcomed the president's decision today to fast-track the availability of livestock disaster aid he successfully included in the 2014 Farm Bill. Udall recently joined his colleagues in urging the president to quickly implement the 2014 Farm Bill's drought-aid provisions.

"I fought to ensure Colorado's ranchers and livestock producers have access to a strong and reliable disaster assistance program in the 2014 Farm Bill. I am proud the president has heeded my call to quickly make these resources available to ranchers in Colorado who have struggled with droughts in recent years," Udall said. "Ranching is an important part of Colorado's agricultural heritage and one tied to the Centennial State's earliest days. The president's swift action and my contribution to the 2014 Farm Bill will ensure that ranchers continue to be a vital part of our job-creating agricultural economy."

Under the president's decision today, ranchers and livestock producers will be eligible to apply for disaster assistance for losses dating back to October 1, 2011. Ranchers can learn more about the resources available to them by contacting their local Farm Service Agency office. Local Farm Service Agency county offices expect to begin processing applications on April 14.

Udall, a champion for Colorado's agricultural and livestock producers, has tirelessly worked over the past two years to pass a five-year Farm Bill. Udall has repeatedly pushed Congress to take up a five-year extension of the Farm Bill to give certainty to the agricultural producers, rural communities, foresters and others who rely on it for their livelihoods and ways of life.

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