Hoeven Annouces Help For Ranchers And Farmers

Press Release

Hoeven Annouces Help For Ranchers And Farmers

Gov. John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available more than $5.5 million in conservation funds to aid farmers and ranchers affected by flooding in North Dakota this spring. The Emergency Conservation Program funds will be distributed by USDA's Farm Service Agency to repair agriculture land damaged by flooding. The money can be used to remove debris, rebuild fences, repair conservation structures damaged by floods, and other recovery activities.

Today's announcement coincides with the sign-up period, which began this week for the Livestock Indemnity Program. The program can help eligible producers with compensation for livestock deaths attributable to the severe winter and flooding disasters. Hoeven requested implementation of these and additional help from USDA in conversations with and letters to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack in April during the height of this year's flooding.

"Record snowfalls and persistent winter coupled with the resulting spring floods took a real toll on North Dakota ranchers and farmers this year, and these programs may help," Hoeven said. "We have worked with FEMA and the SBA to deliver assistance to homeowners, businesses and communities impacted by winter and flood damage; and these program announced by USDA will bring some support for agriculture producers who struggled with the disaster."

In April Hoeven also asked the agriculture secretary for emergency funds for livestock producers and to accelerate implementation of the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) to help producers purchase feed. The USDA was able to provide $750,000, which was matched by state funds, to assist livestock producers in rescuing animals and transporting feed. Program rules for the ELAP are still being developed.

Heavy snow pack in parts of the state resulted in stranded herds, high calf mortality and shortage of feed throughout the winter and spring. As the season progressed, unusually high accumulations of snow made feed areas inaccessible and calving areas wet, in addition to causing widespread flooding throughout North Dakota.

Counties approved for funding include: Adams, Barnes, Burleigh, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Grand Forks, Grant, Hettinger, Kidder, Logan, McHenry, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Pembina, Ransom, Richland, Sheridan, Sioux, Stutsman, Traill and Wells.

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