DAKOTA COUNTY, Minn. — A number of factors have triggered profound change on Minnesota's farming landscape, and the drought of 2021 is just the latest to negatively impact families who make their living from the land.
On Friday Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Ag Secretary Thom Petersen and leaders from the farm community visited the Gene and Louise Smallidge farm in Dakota County to unveil a $10 million drought relief program featuring rapid response grants and emergency loans to help those teetering on the bring of disaster.
“Historic drought conditions have created extreme stress and financial hardship for our farmers and livestock producers during an already difficult time for the agricultural industry,” said Walz. “As governor, and as someone who grew up on a family farm, I stand with our farmers. This funding will provide much-needed relief to Minnesota’s agricultural community and help ensure our farmers can keep feeding Minnesota and the world.”
The proposal includes $5 million in rapid response grants to provide drought relief for livestock producers and specialty crop producers, who Walz says are often left out of traditional federal relief programs. Examples of eligible reimbursements include water handling equipment such as water tanks, pipeline, and water wagons, water hauling, wells, and irrigation equipment.
"Minnesota’s livestock and specialty crop farmers will have an opportunity to recoup some of their losses,” said Commissioner Petersen. “I encourage farmers and producers to apply for these grants and loans while they’re available.”
Another $5 million is targeted for zero-interest loans, which farmers whose operations are suffering from lack of rain could access. The Disaster Recovery Loan Program can be used to help cover lost revenue or expenses not covered by insurance.