Hotline available for farmers, ranchers affected by protest
BISMARCK, N.D. – Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has announced a new hotline available for farmers and ranchers affected by the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.
“Many farmers and ranchers near the protest area urgently need assistance to finish their seasonal work before inclement weather sets in,” Goehring said. “There is frustration with trying to hire local truckers to haul livestock, grain and hay; as well as in hiring custom silage-chopping services. We are appealing to those who can provide these services to contact the hotline.”
Goehring said that farmers and ranchers who need help, or individuals available for hire should call the Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline at 701-425-8454 to be matched up with other callers.
North Dakota Department of Agriculture employees will answer calls to the hotline weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can also leave a message on evenings and weekends. The service is free of charge.
“Those in need of assistance in conducting their normal agricultural activities should call the Morton County Sheriff’s Department at 701-667-3330,” Goehring said. “They will do their best to assist in providing safe passage to get the work done.”
The Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline is modeled after the Harvest Hotline, a free service for farmers and combiners that has been in place since 1992.
Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture
