Agricultural disaster assistance that was approved by Congress and signed by President Bush as part of the supplemental military spending bill is being praised by the state agriculture leaders.

Agriculture Director Katie Smith says the $3-Billion headed to states throughout the country will help both crop farmers and livestock producers as they recover from weather related setbacks of recent years. Smith hopes to see U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency get the checks turned around in short order. Smith won’t speculate on the amount of money Missouri will receive to address its losses.

The Missouri Farm Bureau is expressing its satisfaction, as well. A statement from President Charlie Kruse says, "We are pleased the United States Congress has answered agriculture’s call for emergency disaster assistance."

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