Pearce seeks federal drought assistance for NM ranchers

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce is asking the head of the Farm Service Agency for emergency drought assistance to help New Mexico livestock producers. The New Mexico Republican sent a letter this week to the agency's acting administrator, Val Dolcini. Pearce says New Mexico and many other western states are suffering from severe drought and fire has consumed millions of acres in the region. He says continuing drought and constant wildfires spread by strong winds are rapidly destroying grazing lands and ranchers have already started liquidating their herds. Pearce is asking that New Mexico be granted help under the Emergency Haying and Grazing of Conservation Reserve Program. It provides technical and financial help to eligible farmers and ranchers. AP