Tuesday, the House Agriculture Committee advanced the WHIP Plus reauthorization act which provides disaster funding through the wildfire and hurricane indemnity program. It includes $8.5 billion of disaster aid. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne says the measure is badly needed by North Dakota’s farmers and several others throughout the country.

He says drought impacts aren’t getting any better with not much rain if any in the forecast. Watne also thinks the measure will receive final approval and get signed by the President.

Watne says the wheat and all of the small grains along with the soybeans have all been negatively impacted.

Watne also says livestock producers hit by the drought also need to get federal assistance.

Watne’s group along with the National Farmers Union is urging the full House and Senate to pass the legislation and get it to the President for his signature.