Montana Cattlemen's Association

Press Release

Release Date:      April 28, 2009

DISASTER RELIEF NEEDED FOR MONTANA RANCHERS

Former MCA Presidents Dennis McDonald and Paul Ringling , concerned about the devastating losses across southeastern Montana due to multiple severe storms, toured the area on Monday, April 27.  They met with several exhausted ranchers to learn firsthand the challenges they are facing.

McDonald, who ranches at Melville, notes "The winter was difficult in our area, but the burdens pale in comparison to what producers in the Ekalaka, Alzada, and Broadus areas have faced.  One thing for sure, the resolute determination of ranchers in southeastern Montana is such that recovery is assured.  However, immediate disaster assistance is imperative so fences and stock water reservoirs can be rebuilt ."  McDonald will be reporting his findings to USDA, Senator Baucus, Senator Tester, and Governor Schweitzer.  " No one wants a handout, but given the extraordinary losses help needs to be on the way quickly."

Ringling, who ranches southeast of Miles City on O'Fallon Creek, notes the losses seem to be greatest along Box Elder Creek and the Little Missouri drainage.  He pointed out, "With three to five feet of snow on the ground, the flooding was dramatic and the resulting damage significant.  Sheds and barns collapsed or were damaged, livestock losses are still being counted, and many miles of fences are down.  In some instances ranchers have been unable to get out to fully assess their losses."

Brett DeBruycker, current president of MCA, points out, "In addition to the huge livestock losses, there will also be added costs such as fuel, additional labor, added feed costs, etc.  This is exactly the situation that Senator Baucus foresaw when he placed the emergency disaster assistance in the 2008 Farm Bill.  MCA is committed to bringing awareness to this problem and doing whatever is necessary to get disaster assistance flowing to Montana producers." 

McDonald has contacted Senator Baucus' office, which in turn has alerted USDA Secretary Vilsak of the disaster and urgency of this situation.