Two bills were introduced to help Texas cattle ranchers impacted by natural disasters, including the worst wildfire in state history.

The Livestock Indemnity Program Enhancement Act would require the USDA to establish an additional payment rate for unborn livestock killed in natural disaster.

Last year, wildfires in the Texas Panhandle resulted in over 12,000 cattle deaths and $27 million in cattle losses, destroying the livelihoods of hundreds of ranchers and livestock producers in Texas.

Congressman Ronny Jackson introduced the bill in the house.

“The devastating wildfires that tore through our region claimed over 12,000 cattle, but that figure doesn't account for the countless unborn calves also lost," said Jackson. "This legislation will establish vital compensation for unborn livestock losses, providing Texas ranchers the targeted financial support they urgently need to rebuild their operations and preserve our cattle industry's legacy following these devastating wildfires."

Companion legislation is being led in the Senate by Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz.

“As a leading producer of our nation’s food and fiber, Texas must have the necessary resources to recover from the devastating impact of natural disasters and wildfires, including the loss of thousands of beef cattle in the Panhandle last year," said Cornyn. "This bill would provide additional support to livestock owners who lose their herds due to extreme and unpredictable weather events.”

“The Texas Panhandle is a critical component of our state’s agricultural economy," said Cruz. "Last year I visited areas devastated by the wildfires, and I made a commitment to the Texans affected by that disaster to secure the disaster relief they told me they needed."

This bill is supported by the Texas Farm Bureau.

Source - https://abc7amarillo.com