Bullock asks that Hill County be declared disaster area

Citing harsh drought conditions and the severe July 4 hail storm, Gov. Steve Bullock has asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to declare Hill County a disaster area.

If Vilsack follows through on Bullock's request, cattle ranchers would be eligible for low-interest loans and tax breaks to help them through their tough times.

The Hill County Commission had asked the governor to ask for the declaration, and Chair Mike Wendland said this morning he was pleased the governor granted the request.

"With extremely dry weather conditions for the early part of the 2015 spring and summer growing season the impact to Hill County producers has been the dispersion of livestock herds, shortages of pastures and hay and less than average grain yields," Bullock wrote to Vilsack.

Les Rispens, executive director of Farm Service Agency of Hill County, said the loans and tax breaks would be of significant help for cattle ranchers.

He said some people have sold off parts of their herd because hay supplies were so depleted because of drought and hail.

Wheat producers were less affected, he said, because most have crop insurance.

But cattle ranchers faced difficulties, and many, especially in the northwestern part of Hill County, had to sell of some off their herds.

An emergency declaration would mean the ranchers get tax breaks on the cattle they sold as long as they invest it in cattle during the next two years, he said