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American Horse Council
Press Release
October 29, 2007
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Senate Bills Include Horses in USDA Emergency Disaster Programs
WASHINGTON, DC, October 29, 2007- The Senate is scheduled to consider the
2007 farm bill in the next two weeks. That bill, and another bill that is
expected to be included within the farm bill package, include provisions
that would make horse owners involved in production agriculture eligible for
the various disaster programs administered by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA).
The horse industry has been working to ensure that horses are eligible for
the same federal assistance that other livestock is eligible for once a
disaster is declared and funds appropriated. In 2005, Senators Mitch
McConnell (R-KY), Jim Bunning (R-KY) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) passed
legislation making horses eligible for some federal emergency assistance
programs. But the changes did not make horse breeders eligible for federal
emergency loans.
On October 25th, the Senate Agriculture Committee reported out its farm
bill. Through the efforts of Senators McConnell and John Thune (R-SD), this
bill includes a provision making horse breeders eligible for emergency loans
by including "equine farmers and ranchers" within the class of eligible
farmers. Horse farms would have to comply with all other requirements
imposed on other livestock producers in order to qualify for any available
emergency loans.
Earlier this month, the Senate Finance Committee also reported out the
Heartland, Habitat, Harvest and Horticulture Act of 2007. This bill would
create and fund a permanent Agriculture Disaster Relief Trust Fund that
would provide payments to farmers and ranchers who suffer losses in areas
that are declared disaster areas by USDA. Through the efforts of Senator
Bunning, this program includes "horses used for commercial production
agriculture," like stallions, mares, foals and yearlings, within the
definition of eligible livestock.
These two bills are expected to be merged when they are considered by the
full Senate, which could occur within the next few weeks. The industry has
been working for some time to achieve parity for horse breeders with other
livestock producers and supports these provisions.
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As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry
in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent
equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and
protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the
media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and
every day.
The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing
virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders,
veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen's associations to
horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse
councils. Visit the AHC online at: www.horsecouncil.org |
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