The North Dakota Department of Agriculture now has a hotline for farmers and ranchers affected by the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The number is 701-425-8454.

“Many farmers and ranchers near the protest area urgently need assistance to finish their seasonal work before inclement weather sets in,” says North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “There is frustration with trying to hire local truckers to haul livestock, grain and hay; as well as in hiring custom silage-chopping services. We are appealing to those who can provide these services to contact the hotline.”

AFFECTING FARMERS? Dakota Access Pipeline protests may affecting the ability of farmers near the protest site to finish harvesting their crops. (Photo: Phototreat/iStock/Thinkstock)

Goehring said that farmers and ranchers who need help, or individuals available for hire, should call the Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline at 701-425-8454 to be matched up with other callers.

North Dakota Department of Agriculture employees will answer calls to the hotline weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can also leave a message on evenings and weekends. The service is free of charge.

“Those in need of assistance in conducting their normal agricultural activities should call the Morton County Sheriff’s Department at 701-667-3330,” Goehring says. “They will do their best to assist in providing safe passage to get the work done.”

The Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline is modeled after the Harvest Hotline, a free service for farmers and combiners that has been in place since 1992.

Source: North Dakota Department of Agriculture