9

producing herd size, many will not be in existence by 1979.

At this time federal assistance to producers has resulted in too little, too late as evidenced by the grim facts presented earlier in this report. Further evidence of this can easily be determined by observing livestock sales within the next three months.

A significant accomplishment was realized when the program was extended to April 15, 1978. We feel that you and our other Oregon congressmen were responsible for this endeavor. You have responded to our requests for watering troughs at a time when water was critical or non-existent in many of our dryland pastures. We recognize that the program as it stands now is inadequately funded, has too many restrictive guidelines, and was not efficiently designed to handle an agricultural disaster of this magnitude.

Senator, we are fortunate in Oregon to have a congressional delegation that is sincerely concerned about an industry so vital

to our economy.

be forthcoming.

This is our only hope if realistic changes are to

Oregon State University

Cooperative Extension Service

Thomas G. Zinn

Wasco County Extension Agent

August 16, 1977

TGZ:pm: 35