Bismarck, N.D. (AgCentralNetwork.com) – The North Dakota Industrial Commission on Monday gave the go ahead to the Bank of North Dakota to run a second Ag Disaster Relief Loan Program.  The program is designed to help farmers and livestock producers cover operating shortfalls, term debt payments, and to restructure debt.

Here is a portion of the news release from the BND about the program:

The Ag Disaster Relief Loan Program allows up to a 10-year amortization for chattel and up to a 25-year amortization for real estate; both have a 5-year balloon and the first 12 months may be interest-only. The previously approved program, the Livestock Feed Loan Program, assists livestock producers to purchase feed; pay expenses incurred for remote haying, hauling hay or hauling livestock to a feedlot; pay feedlot fees; and cover the cost of harvesting cash crops. Both programs address the needs of farmers and ranchers negatively affected by extreme weather conditions in 2019.

“The effects of extreme weather last year were devastating for our farmers and ranchers. North Dakota producers were challenged by drought, a cool spring, heavy rains in late summer and early frost in November,” the Industrial Commission said in a joint statement. “These Bank of North Dakota programs can help relieve some of the financial stress.”

BND staff held meetings with stakeholders including trade associations, livestock producers, farmers, bankers and state agencies to determine needs before developing the programs.

Agriculture producers may access the program by working with their local lender. More detailed information is available at bnd.nd.gov/ag.