Delegation: Wyoming to receive funding to combat grasshopper infestation
Funding is in response to delegation’s request that USDA address grasshopper infestation in Wyoming and western states
by Wyoming delegation
June 11, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today (June 11, 2010), U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis, all R-Wyo., applauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision to provide funding for grasshopper treatment activities in western states, including Wyoming. Earlier this year, the delegation sent a letter to Secretary Vilsack requesting this funding from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help address the problems associated with the overwhelming grasshopper infestation in Wyoming.
"Our folks on the ground have done a tremendous job preparing for an influx of grasshoppers. Their efforts providing information so APHIS can be alert and ready has certainly paid off. If we continue working together we can ensure we have a full tool box of resources at our disposal to combat a possible onslaught of grasshoppers," said Enzi.
"Wyoming’s farmers and ranchers are on the front lines in dealing with this grasshopper infestation. Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction to mitigate affects on Wyoming agriculture. It’s imperative that USDA continues to work with our state to provide the necessary resources to alleviate damage to crops and livestock," said Barrasso.
"I applaud the USDA’s response to the delegation’s urgent calls to mitigate this potentially catastrophic grasshopper outbreak. Conditions have been favorable for heavy grasshopper infestation and recent survey results in Wyoming have been particularly concerning. This infestation has the potential to take a major toll on Wyoming farms and ranches. I’m pleased that after repeated calls for the USDA to be proactive in this fight, they have finally responded with the help Wyoming’s producers desperately need," said Lummis.
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