The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) wants to help affected farmers cope with the financial impact of recent flood damage in its southeastern region. Several programs can help. For instance, the Disaster Recovery Loan Program is designed to help farmers pay for the cost of clean-up and removal of debris, lost seed or other crop inputs that include machinery repair, feed and livestock when damaged by high winds, hail, tornado or flood and not covered by insurance. More information about this and other financial assistance can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us. Producers needing flood assistance can contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 1-800-422-0798.

Dairy producers in flooded areas can apply for dairy business planning grants of up to $5,000 to help plan improvements to manure storage areas, holding facilities and other dairy-related projects. Funds are on a 50/50 matching basis. Half the grant will be available after the application is approved; the other half at the conclusion of the project. Such grants, available to all Minnesota dairy producers with eligible projects, are funded as a part of the Minnesota Dairy Initiative. Producers wanting more information should contact David Weinand at 651-201-6646 or david.weinand@state.mn.us.