Conrad Fights for Relief for Farmers and Ranchers

Flood, frost and disease in 2005 left every county in North Dakota as an agriculture disaster area. The deepening drought of 2006 prompted Senator Conrad to ask USDA to again declare disaster for North Dakota agriculture. After talk with farmers and ranchers battered by the severe weather and inspecting firsthand the damage, Senator Conrad authored farm disaster assistance legislation that would provide $175 million to North Dakota producers. Senator Conrad garnered bipartisan support for his legislation and it passed the Senate -- but was blocked by President Bush and the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives. Undeterred, Senator Conrad recently reintroduced new ag disaster legislation expanding it to include emergency assistance to farmers and ranchers suffering from the devastating drought of 2006.

"The livelihoods of thousands of families are at stake. We need nothing less than a comprehensive disaster bill to cover 2005 and 2006 losses," Senator Conrad said. "I will pursue this assistance at every opportunity."

"Our farmers and ranchers are facing a catastrophe of stunning proportion that is getting worse each and every day. They need our assistance and they need it now," Senator Conrad says.

News & Editorials: "Dakota's Epicenter of Drought Stricken Nation" (Grand Forks Herald 7/30/06) "Help is Needed Now for Drought" (Bismarck Tribune 7/10/06) "Bush Should Allow Drought Aid" (Grand Forks Herald 8/2/06) Links: US Drought Monitor for July 2006

Senator Details New Ag Disaster Bill
(09-06-06)

Senate Passes Conrad Disaster Aid for Farmers
(05-04-06)

Family farmers call on Congress to pass Conrad disaster bill.
(03-28-06)