FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, DEC. 20, 2007

NCDA&CS raises reimbursement limits for programs
helping farmers with hay-transportation costs

RALEIGH – Amid increasing costs for hay shipments, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler today announced higher reimbursement limits for two programs aimed at helping drought-stricken livestock owners with the cost of transporting hay to their farms.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services set up the Ag and Equine Partners hay relief programs to help owners of cattle, sheep, goats and horses with the cost of moving hay purchased outside North Carolina.

The programs will now reimburse livestock owners up to $500 for a load of hay moved from out of state. Livestock owners may seek cost-share funds for up to three loads. The higher limits are possible because the Council of State recently approved $250,000 in emergency funds for the cost-share programs.

Previously, payments were limited to $300 for a single load of hay.

Reimbursements will be made on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available.

“The money from the Council of State augments $50,000 in private donations our department previously obtained,” Troxler said. “Through this public-private partnership, North Carolina is helping its livestock owners cope with the drought and feed their animals this winter. I am thankful to Governor Easley, my fellow Council of State members and the companies and organizations that have stepped up to help our ag industry handle this challenge.”

For information about applying for Ag Partners or Equine Partners, call the department’s Hay Alert hotline at 1-866-506-6222 or log on to www.ncagr.com/hayalert.

The department will continue to seek private support for the programs, Troxler said. Businesses and organizations interested in contributing to Ag Partners or Equine Partners may contact Chrissy Lucas at (919) 733-7125 or christina.lucas@ncagr.gov.

-bal 2,4-