Governor Armstrong unveiled ‘Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program’ to help producers affected by storm

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The storms that destroyed tens of millions of bushels of grain storage and several family homes have brought many in the state together. And nearly a week after his visit, Governor Kelly Armstrong announced a Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program.

“The program will enable producers to start ordering temporary or permanent grain storage solutions as they work through their insurance. By quickly replacing storage and other infrastructure, farmers will have more control over when they can market this year’s crop. Helping to minimize loss profitability,” said Gov. Kelly Armstrong.

The program will give two options to farmers affected by the damage. One being the temporary storage support, which may include storage for baggers and extractors, hopper bins, and rental of grain facilities. And the second option would be for a Facility Repair & Replacement Assistance.

“The key to this program is flexibility. We want whoever is utilizing it to utilize it in a way that’s best for their operation, not best for the bank. Not best for the state of North Dakota,” said Armstrong.

Funding for the program comes from the Rebuilders Loan Program, which is approximately $37 million. Impacted producers in need of financial assistance for temporary storage may access up to $150,000 for the 2025 harvest season with no collateral.

“As we continue to gather more stuff, like I said, whether it’s a house, whether it’s a garage, whether it’s a tree, talking to insurance commissioner Godfread, AG commissioner Goehring, the federal delegation, this will be the first in many different ways in which we respond to this,” said Armstrong.

Additional loan programs are currently in development and will be announced in the coming weeks.