Raleigh- Senator Steve Goss said today the state will continue assistance to drought-stricken livestock farmers in Northwestern North Carolina by supplying discounted hay for their farms.

In the second meeting of the Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response, legislators continued to focus on the impacts of the current drought on agriculture, including anticipated effects if the drought continues.

Goss, co-chair of the House-Senate committee, participated in the hearing which focused in part on the state's Emergency Hay program.

"The drought has been rough on the livestock farmers of Northwestern North Carolina," said Senator Goss. "This assistance will go a long way for those who need it most."

In the meeting held last week, State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler updated committee members on the State Department of Agriculture's Emergency Hay program. The Council of State voted unanimously to authorize the state to use up to $3.5 million to purchase and transport hay to North Carolina. The state is selling the hay to livestock owners for the same price the state pays for the forage and transportation.
Livestock owners should contact the location closest to them about hay availability. For general questions, contact the department's toll-free Hay Alert hotline at (866) 506-6222.

In Northwestern North Carolina, large and small bales will be available at:
Upper Mountain Research Station, 8004 N.C. Highway 88 East, Laurel Springs. Contact them by calling (336) 982-2501. For other locations in the region call the local agricultural extension agent.

The Joint Select Committee on the Agricultural Drought Response will submit a final report on the results of its study, including any proposed legislation, to the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives by May 1, 2008.

For further information call Goss at (828) 964-5451 or go online to SenatorSteveGoss.com.