Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said USDA is taking additional steps to further reduce stress on the grain transportation system caused by Hurricane Katrina. The actions include assisting with the movement of barges of damaged corn from New Orleans; providing incentives for alternative grain storage; encouraging alternative shipping patterns to relieve pressure; and allowing producers to store USDA-owned corn on the farm with the option to purchase. "These actions, in conjunction with the tremendous work being performed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, will help the transportation system return to normal as quickly as possible," said Johanns.