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For
Immediate Release RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY DENIES RELIEF FOR CORN AND SOYBEAN PLANTERS AFFECTED BY HEAVY RAINS Agency Acknowledges Severity of Problem by Extending Reporting Deadline for Flood-ravaged Midwest June 25th, 2008, Washington, DC- The United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency (RMA) this week denied a request made by Rep. Herseth Sandlin to assist corn and soybean producers affected by recent heavy rains and flooding. However, the RMA did take a first step in acknowledging the difficulties identified by Herseth Sandlin, and announced an extension, until August 15th, of the deadline for submitting acreage reports in areas impacted by flooding and extreme weather conditions. While this extension is not as significant as the proposal by Herseth Sandlin to partially waive penalties imposed due to late planting, it allows producers an additional month and a half to make certain that all acres they need insured can be reported. Herseth Sandlin said, “I’m disappointed that the RMA decided to deny corn and soybean growers the meaningful relief they really need, but this announcement takes a first step in acknowledging the hardships faced by producers in the Midwest due to recent rain and flooding. My concerns about potential crop shortages remain and as the summer progresses, I will continue to explore common sense solutions to help our producers.” Earlier this month, Herseth Sandlin wrote to RMA requesting temporary relief from the penalty imposed on insured crops planted after the planting deadline. Specifically, she asked for the one percent penalty imposed on insured corn and soybean crops planted past deadline to be temporarily cut in half. RMA denied that request in a letter to Herseth Sandlin, but on the same day announced this reporting deadline extension for 2008 crop year spring-seeded acreage in areas impacted by flooding. The new deadline of August 15th applies to all counties in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. ### Congresswoman
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives.
She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats
committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is
co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the
profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three
committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’
Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin
was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee
on Energy Independence and Global Warming. |
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