USDA HALTS LIVESTOCK RISK PROTECTION INSURANCE BECAUSE OF BSE

Contact: Shirley Pugh (202) 690-0437

WASHINGTON, Dec 24, 2003 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced today that applications for Specific Coverage Endorsements for Fed Cattle and Feeder Cattle under the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Insurance Policy are temporarily suspended pending further review of market conditions. On December 23, 2003, RMA was informed that bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), known as mad cow disease, was detected in the state of Washington. It is expected that this discovery will have a significant effect on the price of cattle for the foreseeable future.

Producers who have already purchased Specific Coverage Endorsements for Fed Cattle and Feeder Cattle prior to the withdrawal of insurance will continue to receive coverage under such endorsements. However, producers will not be able to insure additional cattle until further notice.

Information is also available on the RMA web site: http://www.rma.usda.gov