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Following major storm, disaster aid being considered for farmers in southern MN

Minnesota Harvest Reading Time: 2 minutes

In response to major storms sweeping across southern Minnesota last night, farmers in the region may be interested in resources that will help with their recovery efforts. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have programs in place to provide aid to farmers in recovery, but first a disaster declaration will need to be made to make both accessible.

MDA’s Disaster Recovery Loan Program offers funds to farmers for expenses not covered by insurance. These funds can be used to help clean up, repair or replace farm structures, as well as replace seed, crop inputs, feed and livestock. Once a state or federal declaration is declared, these no-interest loans are available to affected farmers who receive at least half of their gross income from farming. More information is available here.

USDA Disaster Assistance Programs will be made available once a disaster declaration is made by USDA or through a presidential emergency declaration. If the declaration occurs, farmers would have access to the Emergency Loan Program, which helps producers recover from production and physical losses. The USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program may also be made available to farmers to help rehabilitate farmland damaged by the storm. The Emergency Conservation Program does not cover crop or livestock loss.

University of Minnesota Extension Extreme Weather Resources has information and resources on recovery tools from extreme weather events. Extension also has a farm information line at 1-800-232-9077 to help answer questions on water, crops, horticulture and climatology issues.

Farmers who are feeling stressed with the unpredictable weather are also encouraged to reach out to the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at (833) 600-2670. Mental health professionals are available 24/7 to help farmers and connect them to resources that will help navigate unique challenges on the farm.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association will continue working with state and federal officials as they assess damage and make recovery programs available. Follow @mncorn on Twitter and @MinnesotaCorn on Facebook for updates.

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