The trifecta of the ongoing trade war with China, weather disasters and low commodity prices are hammering North Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. State Farmers Union President Mark Watne says the new trade aid package the president is talking about or some government assistance is critical now for farmers.

He says farmers are dealing with weather challenges the best they can but are desperately needing help to overcome low commodity prices.

In fact, Watne says it’s tough because there aren’t any crops in North Dakota above break even right now.

Watne says farm bankruptcy, depression and farm suicide is rising in the country. He says conditions are very similar to the 1980s except that interest rates aren’t as high.