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Rep. Hauck continues call to help Michigan farmers impacted by record rainfall
RELEASE|June 20, 2019

State Rep. Roger Hauck today reiterated the need to support Michigan farmers whose crops have been delayed or damaged by this spring’s record-setting rain.

A House plan approved on Thursday would help private lenders provide low-interest loans to qualified farmers at no financial risk to the state.

“Farmers in Midland and Isabella counties have been hit hard by record rainfall totals. Every time I’ve heard rain hitting the roof at home as another storm system goes through our area, I know things are only getting more dire for our hard-working farmers,” said Hauck, of Union Township. “This plan allows for peace of mind. Funds will be available so farmers can support themselves and their families when their livelihood has taken a hit due to something beyond their control.”

Michigan has had very few days suitable for field work this spring. As a result, only about 63 percent of corn seeds and 43 percent of soybean seeds have been planted, which means yields will be low. Many farmers will be facing financial trouble as this crop season continues.

House Bill 4234 provides $15 million to help private lenders run the loan program and keep interest rates low for farmers. The state does not provide the loans, so there is no financial risk or liability to the state with this program.

Similar low-interest loan programs were approved for Michigan farmers in 2002 and 2012.

Hauck also recently joined a coalition of 63 House lawmakers urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase flexibility under the Federal Crop Insurance rules. Increased flexibility would allow farmers to plan on land normally prohibited by federal crop insurance rules, allowing for more crops to get to market and be raised for feed for a farmer’s livestock.

Full text of the letter and its signatories can be found here.

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