Letter to Secretary Vilsack, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture

Letter

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

I write to urge you to use all available resources at your disposal to assist farmers and ranchers that are currently facing drought conditions in Colorado.
As you may know, Colorado agricultural producers throughout the state have been experiencing drought conditions for the past several months. As producers continue to operate under what the U.S. Drought Monitor has found to be extreme drought conditions in much of the state, it is critical that we deploy the resources necessary that might minimize the damages from this looming threat.

Recently the Colorado Farm Bureau outlined in a letter to the Governor of Colorado that farmers "are facing massive crop failure, with many ranchers already beginning the task of having to feed hay to livestock." Many share the concerns expressed by the Farm Bureau; and though I understand that much of your authority to act may rest on a request from the State of Colorado, I find it imperative to convey the immediate threat that drought conditions have created for Colorado's farmers and ranchers.

I urge you to employ all the resources at your disposal within the bounds of all relevant laws and regulations to address this growing threat to Colorado's agricultural community and economy.

Sincerely,

Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet

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