North Dakota farmers and ranchers are dealing with historic drought conditions. Their voices were heard firsthand by USDA leadership in Carrington. “These conditions are ever bit as bad, maybe even worse, than any drought during my time as governor,” said John Hoeven, senator, North Dakota. Emergency livestock disaster programs have already been triggered. However, Farm Service Agency Administrator Zach Ducheneaux would like to see access streamlined. “Some things need to be done differently. This assistance needs to get to farmers and ranchers right away when it is needed.” One clarification provided by Risk Management Agency Administrator Richard Flournoy was regarding crop insurance. Originally, claims exceeding $200,000 automatically triggered an audit. “This process has been tweaked in recent years, so you shouldn’t see a lot of them. It’s not automatic and instead based on specific guidelines and cases, which has dramatically decreased the need for audits.” The officials also made stops in Mandan, Minot and Argusville. Listen to the story.