Drought losses reach $3.6 billion

AUSTIN — "The impact of this drought —the losses and associated wildfires — are devastating to Texas farmers and ranchers,” Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples said. "Intensive management and planning are essential during these extremely difficult times. It is because of this dire situation that last week I made a second request to USDA urging immediate action for assistance. I am committed to seeing that Texas producers, who work from sun-up to sun-down to provide us with the most abundant and affordable food supply in the world, get the assistance they need during these trying times."

Last week Commissioner Staples made a second formal request to USDA to take immediate action in providing federal emergency assistance for Texas producers. You can review the letter at www.TexasAgriculture.gov/ newsroom and click on Reading Room.

The Texas Department of Agriculture is part of the state’s Agricultural Drought Task Force, which provides updated information regarding Texas’ ongoing drought. For information visit http://agrilife.tamu.edu/drought/.