However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently is it making additional funds available for those who may be affected by the potential increase in the grasshopper population. A study done at the end of last year showed a higher number of adult grasshoppers in that part of the country, which could have led to a larger number of eggs being laid.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will have almost $11 million in funds to provide assistance. The money can be used for ground and aerial insecticide applications.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said his department is keeping a close eye on the grasshopper situation and is ready to help producers deal with any problems.
"The funding announced today will help us act quickly in states with economically significant outbreak levels and enhance our coordinated efforts with other federal agencies, state departments of agriculture, county and local agencies and private landowners to protect western rangeland," Vilsack said.
