{"id":182208,"date":"2019-10-10T16:07:12","date_gmt":"2019-10-10T21:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=182208"},"modified":"2019-10-10T16:07:12","modified_gmt":"2019-10-10T21:07:12","slug":"options-for-producers-sought-as-wet-weather-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/csinewsnow.com\/?p=182208","title":{"rendered":"Options for producers sought as wet weather continues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bismarck\u00a0 (CSi)\u00a0 \u2013 The extensive wet pattern in North Dakota, topped with an early snowstorm, is creating a great deal of anxiety for farmers and ranchers. The state is exploring all possible means of assistance and encouraging those in emotional distress to reach out for help, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Gov. Doug Burgum said today in a joint statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe recognize the challenges our producers are experiencing,\u201d Goehring said. \u201cThe wet weather has caused much disease in cereal crops and has created an inability to harvest remaining cereal grains and row crops, as well as potatoes and sugarbeets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis difficult harvest season is putting farmers and ranchers under tremendous stress, both emotional and financial,\u201d Burgum said. \u201cJust as we did during the drought of 2017, we\u2019re exploring every avenue to assist producers through these unseasonably and extremely wet conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The wet weather has also created some infrastructure problems as county and township roads are saturated or flooded, compromising the integrity of the roads and preventing farmers from driving equipment on them.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are continuing to assess and monitor conditions across the state and working with the Governor\u2019s Office to determine which counties should be considered for a Secretarial disaster declaration,\u201d Goehring said. \u201cI am also having conversations with our congressional delegation about possible options such as a disaster program.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Secretarial disaster designation must be requested of the Secretary of Agriculture by a governor or the governor\u2019s authorized representative, by an Indian Tribal Council leader, or by an FSA State Executive Director. Damages and losses prompting disaster designations must be due to a natural disaster; and the county must have a 30 percent production loss of at least one crop or a determination must be made by surveying producers that other lending institutions will not be able to provide emergency financing.<\/p>\n

Goehring said he has also been engaged with the U.S. Department of Agriculture\u2019s Risk Management Agency (RMA) and has expressed concerns about quality discounts on grain that doesn\u2019t reflect market discounts. \u201cStorage on farms is limited to hold poor-quality grain for an extended period of time in order to take advantage of fewer discounts months later,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Goehring also reminded producers that they shouldn\u2019t face difficult times alone. \u201cI know it\u2019s difficult to talk about your situation with family and friends but please share struggles and concerns with them or with someone else you trust,\u201d he said. \u201cAlso, please utilize services available as they can be a good resource.\u201d<\/p>\n

Producers who are struggling with depression, sadness or feelings of hopelessness should reach out to one of the following options for services and support:<\/p>\n