BISMARCK, N.D.–North Dakota will receive federal help for farmers and ranchers who struggled with an early blizzard and wet harvest conditions. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the secretarial disaster designation on Friday. Gov. Doug Burgum requested the help last week to help make federal loans available to farmers and ranchers. To qualify for a secretarial designation, a county…
JAMESTOWN, N.D.–The North Dakota Farmers Union called for acceleration of Market Facilitation Program payments to farmers impacted by the trade war with China on Wednesday. In August, farmers who enrolled in MFP received 50 percent of a calculated payment for crops covered under Title 1 of the Farm Bill. The USDA has said a second payment of 25 percent would…
FARGO, N.D.- The recent snow storm has taken a toll on many farmers across North Dakota and Minnesota. Whether it’s because of shame or pride, many farmers decide not to reach out for help when they’re feeling stressed or in a bad place. Area farmers have been dealing with a lot of stress due to weather, low commodity prices and…
EAST GRAND FORKS, Minn. — Taking innovative ideas from rural communities in Minnesota and incorporating them at the federal level. Senator Tina Smith says that’s what can really help some change places across the country need. She announced she is starting a bipartisan Senate “Rural Economic Working Group.” And she’s doing it alongside Republican South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds. “Our…
DAVENPORT, N.D.–The EPA is in North Dakota and Minnesota this week to connect with local farmers. “One of the things they noted is how North Dakotans are passionate for agriculture and whatever they do and they really take great pride in it. And I think that’s what we are out here trying to show them, that you give us…
FARGO, N.D.– Farmers and land owners are learning about property rights at the Great Plains Land Expo. The expo focuses on the economics of agriculture and energy, the daily challenges and opportunities of maintaining land, and investing in farmland. Speakers want to help people understand why their property is valued the way it is and what they can do…
NORTH DAKOTA — A new report shows farmers across the country aren’t growing as much corn because of the wet weather this spring. The USDA says our country’s corn crop is the lowest it’s been in four years. “This spring has just been a gut punch to the farmers,” Jean Henning, executive director of the North Dakota Corn Council, said. Randy…
MOORHEAD, Minn.– Senator Klobuchar also stopped by Moorhead to discuss agriculture issues. Farmers voiced their concerns about how tariffs on agricultural products imported by China are straining them financially and mentally. Klobuchar hopes to find ways to strengthen the protections for Minnesota farmers and the renewable fuel standard. She is excited to expand the use of biofuel and rely less on…
FARGO, N.D. — Many farmers across the country are hurting because of the trade war. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven met with producers to discuss an agriculture assistance program. “We’ve lost so much income because of the decline in the markets, and it’s just been really difficult and a challenge for everyone in the cattle industry,” Shelly Ziesch, a cattle rancher from…
HARWOOD, N.D. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue joins North Dakota leaders to hear from farmers. With trade issues and harsh weather hitting farmers, it’s been a challenging year for North Dakota producers. “It’s tough here in North Dakota, it’s tough across the U.S. I hear the answer is trade, trade, trade. We’re blessed to be in a country where…
