Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith say USDA’s Risk Management Agency is providing flexibilities to aid producers who are facing slumping commodity prices due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says producers need all the options they can get to deal with the crisis and crop insurance is their key safety net program.

Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish says while it’s good that RMA is giving farmers more time to pay the interest on deferred payments, those payments still have to be made. He also says being able to report on government programs electronically is also helpful.

It’s important to note that farmers and ranchers are under a great deal of stress, both emotionally and financially. Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap says his group is there to help and the State Ag Department has a toll free phone line available for assistance.

That toll free number is 1—833—600—2670.