Huron Daily Tribune: Michigan Senators want federal help for farmers

WASHINGTON — Michigan's U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow are seeking federal help for the state's farmers who have not yet planted crops.

"Consistent rain and wet weather have created challenging planting conditions for farmers across Michigan this spring," Peters and Stabenow said in a statement on Friday. "We urge the USDA to provide flexibility and equitable treatment for Michigan farmers who have had to delay planting their crops."

Michigan recently had one of its wettest Mays ever, with much above average precipitation like other Midwestern states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Michigan also had its third wettest year over the past 12 months.

As a result, many Michigan farmers, including some in Huron County, have been unable to plant their crops.

The senators also want funding from a disaster aid bill to help farmers.

Congress and President Donald Trump passed a $19.1 billion disaster aid bill in early June for Americans suffering from natural disasters, mainly flooding.

"Whether the excessive moisture and prevented planting is directly caused by a river leaving its banks, more localized stream flooding, or ponding of rainfall or snowmelt, the challenges faced by the farmers are the same and each of them should be eligible for aid in addition to the underlying Federal Crop Insurance," the senators said.