Obama Announces $30 Million to Help Farmers

Aug 08, 2012

U.S. Government Provides Funds for Drought Relief

U.S. farmers are experiencing the worse drought in over 50 years, a recurring headline that has been making headline news across North America. President Barack Obama made an important announcement late yesterday that many farmers across America have been waiting for – financial relief to get through the drought. Obama announced that the administration will provide $30 million to assist farmers who are in over their heads with server drought conditions. The announcement that was made by the President himself did not require congresses approval.

The drought conditions have gotten so bad, that farmers have to sell off their livestock due to lack of pasture and feed. The aid announcement is in addition to the relief package that was announced on August 2 where the House passed $383 million in relief for livestock ranchers. This is the only aid package that has been passed since the other five agriculture programs lacked the votes to meet approval. The Senate won’t be returning back to the House until Sept 10 which is infuriating some farmers and ranchers.

The Obama administration is in the midst of working with crop insurance companies to wave a grace period for unpaid insurance premiums. The U.S. government has also opened up federal lands for haying and pasture for livestock.

Video: Season 6, Episode 10: Defining Resiliency and the Research Driving Swine Health Forward

Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.