The Agriculture Department reports that it has been on top of the drought since March 1, when a drought task force was established. A "USDA Backgrounder" was released listing actions. In April, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that there were more than 50 percent fewer days with measurable precipitation in parts of Texas and Oklahoma compared to last year. Actions have included allowing use for grazing and hay cutting of acreage in conservation programs, Congressional briefings, interagency meetings, news conferences, daily weather updates, a toll-free hotline on federal services available, and crop surveys.
The Agriculture Department reports that it has been on top of the drought since March 1, when a drought task force was established. A "USDA Backgrounder" was released listing actions. The only two which involved money were an extra $50 million to buy beef for feeding programs and allowing Mexico to buy $40 million worth of meat. Actions have included allowing use for grazing and hay cutting of acreage in conservation programs, Congressional briefings, interagency meetings, news conferences, daily weather updates, a toll-free hotline on federal services available, and crop surveys.