Bennet Urges Colorado Producers to Take Advantage of NRCS Drought Relief Resources

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet released the following statement on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources being made available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist farmers and ranchers coping with the adverse effects of the historic drought. In total, $1,865,850 has been made available to Colorado farmers and ranchers.

“Colorado farmers and ranchers are experiencing the most devastating drought in decades,” Bennet said. “At a time when our economy is just getting back on its feet, we need all hands on deck to ensure that our rural communities have the tools they need to continue to grow and thrive. I encourage producers across Colorado to take advantage of these NRCS resources.”

In the face of the state’s worst drought in 50 years, Bennet and Senator Mark Udall wrote a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last month asking for federal assistance for Colorado farmers and ranchers, who are facing severe drought conditions that are threatening crops, livestock and rural livelihoods. Last month, the USDA declared all of Colorado’s counties as disaster areas due to losses caused by drought, excessive heat, and high winds.

Last month, Bennet spoke on the Senate floor to urge the House to take up and pass a full five-year reauthorization of the Farm Bill. He also sent a letter to House leadership, along with Senator Mark Udall, urging passage the bill, which includes vital resources to assist farmers and ranchers suffering from the drought.

Producers should contact their local NRCS Field Service Center for more information on available resources.