Tester Secures Extra Help for Montana Farmers Facing Extreme Drought

(Big Sandy, Mont.) – U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be sending extra staff to drought-stricken Montana counties.

The USDA will be sending 10 additional employees to Richland, Sheridan, McCone, Daniels, Fergus, Carter/Fallon, Garfield, Prairie, Rosebud/Treasure, and Wibaux counties. The additional staff will be on hand to help farmers and ranchers apply for disaster assistance.

“As we face some really tough times in Montana agriculture, these additional staff members will bring some much needed relief to eastern Montana,” said Tester. “If farmers and ranchers are having any trouble accessing USDA resources they should reach out to my office, we’re happy to help.”

Last month, Tester requested the USDA prioritize approving applications for producers in extreme drought designated areas.

Farmers and ranchers needing assistance can contact their local Farm Service Agency office or Tester’s Agriculture Liaison Jesse Anderson at 406.449.5401.