By Scout Nelson
Governor Kelly Armstrong announces a new Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program to support farmers whose infrastructure was damaged by recent severe storms, including tornadoes and strong winds. The program helps producers quickly restore grain storage and essential facilities ahead of the 2025 harvest season.
Many farms in North Dakota faced heavy losses during the storms on June 20–21, with grain bins torn apart or blown away. After visiting affected areas such as Enderlin, Page, and Hunter, Governor Armstrong recognized the urgent need for fast recovery options.
This new program offers two types of assistance:
1. Temporary Storage Support – Farmers can receive financing for temporary grain storage options, such as grain baggers, extractors, and rented facilities. This support ensures producers can store this year’s harvest without major disruptions.
2. Facility Repair & Replacement Assistance – Funding is also available to repair or rebuild key agricultural buildings. Eligible facilities include flat-bottom bins, grain dryers, hoop barns, livestock barns, irrigation pivots, and storage sheds.
No collateral is needed for temporary storage loans unless project costs go beyond certain financial limits. In such cases, collateral might be required.
A total of $37 million is allocated to the program under the state’s Rebuilders Loan Program, which becomes available during officially declared disasters. The Bank of North Dakota is also working with grain elevators to provide additional flexible financing options.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Livestock, Weather