Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson were in Polk County on Thursday morning to meet with the local farmers about the current drought in the Northwest part of the state.
The event was held at the Reitmeier farm north of Crookston, visiting with Jim and Robin Reitmeier and Dan and Connie Cooley. The Governor and Commissioner were able to see the fields first-hand and the effects it has had on the farmers this year. They also answered any questions anyone had and reassured that they are working on trying to provide help and make others aware of the issue at hand.
Governor Walz spoke more on the reason for the trip and the importance of being in the community in person. “I always feel like we need to be on the ground and for them to be able to look someone in the eye and hear them say that it matters,” said Governor Walz. “I have folks that give me data every day, and I look at the drought every day. It’s different to be out here in person. There is nothing more important that I’m doing today than being out here to make sure people are aware of the importance of this drought.”
As of this morning, the new drought monitor showed that most of Minnesota, including Polk County, is now in the D2 Phase of the drought. Governor Walz and Commissioner Peterson understand the concern of some not wanting to provide help because of wildfire concerns and other issues that could arise. Still, they are reassured they are going to do what they can to make the USDA, amongst others, realize the concern and the need to potentially start acting faster.
Governor Walz also stated just how bad the conditions are and that it is potentially something the farmers in the area will never see again. “This is looking like a once-in-a-lifetime drought,” said Governor Walz. “It will have repercussions on crop prices, local economies, it will also have repercussions on mental health and stress for the farmers that they’re under, so this is critically important for people to be aware of.”
Commissioner Peterson also addressed the crowd of roughly 50 in attendance and took questions from farmers regarding their concerns. He also addressed the importance of being in the community and seeing first-hand the conditions farmers are dealing with. “The Governor and I walked out into the field, and it looks great first hand from the roadway, but it’s different to see it up close,” said Peterson. “I will tell you that is something that the governor will remember and bring back to the USDA when we’re meeting with them as well as others.”
Peterson was appointed the Commissioner of the Agriculture Department back in 2019 by Governor Walz. Before that, he was the Director of Government Relations for the Minnesota Farmers Union beginning in 2002. Both he and Walz expressed the importance of community and being able to help one another out in struggling times.
Peterson shared what his biggest goal has been for times like these. “My goal has always been not to lose any farmers,” said Peterson. “We want to keep all of our farmers, and I think our immediate need right now is to assist our livestock growers, but everyone, as well as they go through this time. To me, that’s the biggest piece in this, is how do we provide assistance to farmers who need a head up, and that’s something will continue to work on.”
Governor Walz and Commissioner Peterson kept referring to the drought in 1988. According to Walz, the key difference is the use of the internet and how Wheat amongst Hay and other items can be transported now versus back then. Walz also talked about the science and studies being done that were not available back then. They will continue to monitor these studies and see what information can be useful moving forward.
Crookston farmer Jim Reitmeier was the one who hosted Governor Walz and Commissioner Peterson on Thursday morning. Jim was born and raised at his farm North of Crookston on Highway 75. Reitmeier talked about the importance of having the Governor visit Polk County to allow farmers to ask any questions they may have. “They came out to ask questions about what we think we may need,” said Reitmeier. “At this point, we haven’t gotten to where we’re suggesting we’ll need anything, but I think it’s important for them to be here and reference what the crop looks like down the road if we do have shortages.”
Reitmeier also explained the current issue with livestock growers and how they need hay for their animals while the hay is still good. “We had a number of livestock producers here today, and they’re very concerned about getting hay for their livestock,” said Reitmeier. “I think the ability to hay the CRP soon is going to be critical in order to use that hay while it’s still good.”
The wheat harvest is beginning to start and is behind its’ growth compared to a typical year. There was also some discussion between Reitmeier and Governor Walz as well as Commissioner Peterson on Soybeans and other types of crops and their potential.
Reitmeier shared his views on the community and how they will need to help each other out through these difficult times. “First, if you notice anybody you’re friends with that are acting differently, that should be something that is brought to the forefront,” said Reitmeier. “This is something that we will all just need to work through and help each other with.”
