Farmers in southeast Michigan may be getting some help soon. Rep. Joe Bellino said today that a plan to help farmers whose crops were delayed or damaged by this spring’s record-setting rain has been signed into law. The plan provides $15 million to help private lenders provide low-interest loans to qualified farmers. The state does not provide the loans, so there is no financial risk or liability to the state with this program.
Representative Bellino of Monroe said, “This spring’s wet weather devastated crops for farmers in southeast Michigan and many other parts of the state.” Michigan had very few days suitable for fieldwork this spring. This year was the wettest 12-month period on record. Only 63 percent of corn seeds and 43 percent of soybean seeds were planted as of June 12th. The deadline for full coverage of crop insurance was June 5th for corn and June 15th for soybeans. As a result, many farmers will be facing financial trouble as this crop season continues.
