House Ag Committee Chair David Scott introduced the Small Family Farmer and Rancher Relief Act to help small farmers and ranchers in the cattle industry. “As I’ve said before, it’s a crisis in this nation that we’ve lost an average of 17,000 cattle ranchers per year,”

Scott says. “The drivers of the loss are complex, and I applaud the efforts my colleagues have taken to try and improve the cattle industry.” He also says other efforts don’t have enough emphasis on direct help for America’s small farmers and ranchers.

A key backbone of the bill helps smaller operators with financial assistance by strengthening the safety net. It includes offering an increased premium subsidy for small ranchers insuring a cattle herd of 100 head or less. It offers incentives for insurance agents to better market Livestock Risk Protection policies to smaller producers.

The bill also creates opportunities to increase competition and new marketing opportunities.