The USDA’s Natural Resources Defense Council is making assistance available to farmers and ranchers struggling due to the drought.
Ag producers who live in an area designated as being in extreme or exceptional drought can apply. Craig Derickson, Nebraska State Conservationist for the NRDC, says the funds can be used for conservation programs such as deferred grazing, which involves setting aside some pasture land so it’ll regrow for next year .
Derickson says the funds can also help livestock producers with water sources, such as wells or pipelines, or fencing to better manage their livestock. Assistance can also be used to assist with planting of cover crops.
Ag producers can apply for assistance through next Wednesday.
More information is available at www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.