(FARGO, N.D.) — Farmers across North Dakota are assessing devastating losses after back-to-back storms, including tornadoes and a derecho, swept through the region in late June.
Steve Johnson, a fifth-generation farmer near Page, lost all 400,000 bushels of grain storage when the storm destroyed his facility—one bin was found half a mile away. He was among those who spoke at a news conference in Fargo on July 1.
Governor Kelly Armstrong visited the hardest-hit areas last week and has now launched a Grain Storage & Facility Rebuilder Program. The initiative offers up to $150,000 in financing for temporary storage or permanent facility repairs. About $37 million is available through the program, with the Bank of North Dakota also stepping in to assist impacted grain elevators.
Major players like The Arthur Companies also reported damage to several of their sites and are now working to get facilities ready for harvest while supporting cleanup efforts in nearby communities.
According to NDSU Extension, over 126,000 acres of cropland were affected, with corn and soybeans seeing the most damage. Livestock losses were also reported, including 30 injuries and 50 fatalities.
Applications for the rebuilding program open July 9 and close at the end of the year. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local lenders for details.
