For Immediate Release: Sept. 27, 2011

Contact: Carmen Fenton, 512-469-0171

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) is reminding ranchers whose fences were lost or damaged in the wildfires to apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

Although some ranchers may have already started rebuilding, those who haven’t should apply immediately, before any rebuilding begins—or risk forfeiting program eligibility.

USDA Texas FSA Acting Executive Director James Douglass says that producers should still submit an application at their local FSA office even though there is a current backlog of ECP funds. FSA district directors can waive the start date for beginning reconstructive work on a case-by-case basis, allowing producers to start repairing fences before funds are secured without jeopardizing program eligibility.

Conservation problems that existed before the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance. ECP program participants can receive financial assistance for up to 75 percent of the cost to implement approved emergency conservation practices.

To find out if your county is accepting ECP applications or to request a start date waiver, contact your local FSA office.

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The Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association is a 134-year-old trade organization. As the largest and oldest livestock association in Texas, TSCRA represents more than 15,000 beef cattle producers, ranching families and businesses who manage approximately 4 million head of cattle on 79.5 million acres of range and pasture land, primarily in Texas and Oklahoma. TSCRA provides law enforcement and livestock inspection services, legislative and regulatory advocacy, industry news and information, insurance services and educational opportunities for its members and the industry.