Mother Nature has been serving up the same forecast on repeat. North Dakota is continuing to monitor worsening drought conditions while evaluating potential relief options for livestock producers. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said federal assistance requires an Extreme Drought (D3) designation, while the state also offers a cost-share program for hauling water. “It’s an either-or type of deal,” Goehring said. “There’s a conversation taking place with the Department of Emergency Services as we determine how we’ll respond and how large this impacted area is.” Goehring also said the state’s Farm Financial Stability Program demonstrated the financial strain facing agriculture. “We sent $500 million out the door, but there was about $647 million in requests, so roughly $147 million didn’t get funded,” he said. “That’s why we have to rethink how we’re going to do this. Keep in mind, it’s the largest program we’ve ever done; it’s historic.” Goerhring is now asking farmers and ranchers to submit information directly to the National Drought Mitigation Center regarding the impacts of dry conditions. Goehring said this information can be used in developing the weekly Drought Monitor map, which triggers state and federal relief. In an interview with RRFN, Goehring covers a lot of ground. Topics include federal farm policy, development opportunities for animal agriculture, fertilizer production and processing and more. Click here.
