ND Department of Agriculture Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE APRIL 30, 2009

MEDIATION SERVICE READY TO HELP DISTRESSED FARMERS, RANCHERS

BISMARCK – Farmers and ranchers facing difficult situations as a result of severe winter storms and spring flooding are urged to contact the North Dakota Agricultural Mediation Service (AMS).

The AMS toll-free hotline is (800) 642-4752.

“AMS staff members can be assigned to work one-on-one with producers on almost any problem related to their faming or ranching operation,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “We have staff located across the state, who have years of experience in helping producers deal with many of the same problems caused by the recent extreme weather.”

AMS can assist producers with agricultural loans, wetlands issues, compliance with farm programs, including conservation programs; rural water, grazing and pesticide issues, crop insurance and rural housing.

All producer information is kept confidential.

AMS is a division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.

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MEDIA: For more information, please call Ted Quanrud at (701) 328-2233 or tquanrud@nd.gov or Patrice Lahlum at (701) 239-7210 or plahlum@nd.gov.