High Noon

There aren’t a lot of farmers left anymore. But in places like N.TX. there’s still a lot of land that is dedicated to farming. While it’s not something you’ll much notice if you fly over the middle of the country, a lot of people out here in farm country are literally losing the farm.

There was a provision for Farm Disaster Aid in the last two farm bills. That provision passed the Senate. When it went to Congress, the President threatened a veto if that assistance wasn’t removed. Both times the complaisant Congress took out disaster aid.

There were a lot of people looking at that event both times. If you don’t understand why the Democrats won this round, you might want to look at what number of people live in farm country. The land is kind of sparsely settled, but the farmers see what’s going on.

This isn’t a president that has any feeling for the people and the history, or the constitution, that made this a great country. They get it.

I’m watching Sen. Dorgan of N.Dakota on the floor right now. He’s trying again to help his people. While the Republicans held the reins, they were left to sell off their herds and their farms. Now they can start rebuilding.

BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today took steps in response to dry conditions that continue to develop in south central portions of North Dakota and that have seriously affected the agricultural industry and related service providers.

Declare Agriculture Drought Emergency: First, Hoeven issued an executive order (attached) declaring a drought disaster emergency, which triggers the State Water Commission's (SWC) Livestock Water Supply Assistance Program to help with the cost of creating permanent water supplies for cattle. The cost-share program assists producers with the expense of drilling wells, laying pipe, and other actions to secure reliable water supplies for cattle. The SWC today allocated $200,000 for the program.

"High temperatures and lack of precipitation are taking a toll on our farmers and ranchers, as well as on businesses that depend on the agriculture community," Hoeven said. "The steps we've taken will provide help with the cost of creating reliable water supplies and grazing and hay for cattle."

Request Opening of CRP Acres: Second, Hoeven asked the State Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to request authorization from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to open Conservation Reserve Program acres to haying and grazing operations.

"With continued hot, dry conditions, we ask for immediate consideration to make this formal recommendation," Hoeven wrote. "This measure can help to provide some relief to agriculture producers who are struggling to acquire enough feed to maintain their livestock."

Reactivate Bank of North Dakota Programs: Third, the Governor has asked officials of the Bank of North Dakota to begin the process of extending the Farm Disaster Relief Program, and reinstitute the Business Disaster Relief Program. Both programs are designed to help producers and businesses affected by the disaster restructure loans at favorable rates.

Activate Agriculture Working Group: Fourth, Hoeven's executive order activates Agriculture Working Group of the Drought Task Force within the State Emergency Operations Plan. The working group, along with the Division of Emergency Services, will coordinate resources and recommend appropriate state and federal actions.
Judd Gregg, R, of New Hampshire is up on the floor here at 2:20 on a Tuesday when he's pretty sure no one important is watching, just reveling in the ‘budget busting’ aspects of the bill, which by the way has passed twice before. He is going to take a stand, oh right, where the emergency funding for the war and the funds to rebuild in Iraq is okay, it’s a real problem that the same folks who have voted his party out of power are trying to give relief to the voters who were awake, alert, and took it on themselves to send the party of the wealthy back home.

Sen. Kent Conrad is a Dem from North Dakota, now imploring Judd Gregg not to invoke Rule 16, which is a point of order, used before this, to send the bill back to committee, and our farmers out to pasture. Lots of drama, here, folks. Quorum call. The votes are there, of course, the farmers are just going to have to eat it.

Now Sen Kay Ba’al-e is asking to have the amendment laid aside. Forget it, farmers, the bank is waiting to take your farm in hand.

Now Susan Collins is introducing a bill to give oversight in Iraq. No oversight for the farmers, folks. Nasty, nasty stuff.