Texas ranchers await fed. drought help

AUSTIN (AP) - Thousands of Texas farmers and ranchers who since September have sought federal drought relief still await their checks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Sept. 14 announced applications would be accepted for funds under the Livestock Forage Disaster Program, to cover 2008 and 2009 losses.

More than 4,600 Texas drought applications for LFP assistance the Farm Service Agency has received, only about 500 checks have been sent. FSA authorities blame the delay on a system overhaul made necessary by the 2008 Farm Bill, which called for a permanent disaster relief program. Previously, each disaster plan had to be enacted with an individual federal mandate.

Texas AgriLife Extension economists say the drought, since 2007, likely has pushed ag losses to more than $4.1 billion, in spite of recent heavy rains.