FSA approves cost share program to meet water needs

Nevada Daily Mail

According to the National Weather Service's Sept. 13 drought monitor, most of Vernon County remained in severe drought conditions, with a small portion of the county's southwestern corner still experiencing extreme drought, and it's taken a toll on crops, forage, livestock and water supply.

Now there may be relief available for some local livestock producers, through the Emergency Conservation Program, said Vernon County USDA Farm Service Agency Executive Director Travis Claypool. The program, he said, provides cost-share assistance for livestock water in areas impacted by severe drought, and was recently approved for Vernon County.

"Livestock producers who are facing a critical need for water may be eligible to receive financial assistance through FSA," Claypool said. "ECP can help with connecting to other water sources or drilling wells; but the most important thing is that interested producers talk to the office prior to taking any action."

That's because producers must submit their requests for ECP assistance to FSA prior to beginning any work. Claypool said that completing any action, such as well drilling, before submitting an ECP request could mean "forfeiture of program eligibility."

The program provides financial assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved temporary emergency projects and up to 50 percent of permanent solutions. Applications will be accepted through Nov. 9.

For more information about the Emergency Conservation Program or other drought assistance, call the Vernon County FSA office at (417) 667-8137, or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.mo.