Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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June 19, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Sends Letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Requesting Assistance for Michigan Farmers
LANSING, Mich. -- Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting a USDA Secretarial Disaster Designation for the State of Michigan and added flexibility under the Federal Crop Insurance Program and the recent disaster legislation passed by Congress. This letter comes as a result of the overwhelming challenges Michigan farmers are facing during one of the wettest periods on record in the state.
“Michigan farmers are in a state of crisis right now because of extraordinary weather conditions, from historic rainfall, extreme cold, excessive snow, flash flooding, and tornadoes,” said Whitmer, “Michigan has a rich history in agriculture, and on behalf of our farmers, our families, and our economy, we need to take action now. I’m ready and eager to partner with the federal government to make sure Michigan farmers have the support they need during this difficult time.”
Michigan is currently in the midst of the third wettest year in state history, with 37.9 inches of rain between May 1, 2018 and April 30, 2019. This weather has delayed and prevented farmers from planting their crops as usual, with 64 out of Michigan’s 83 counties requesting disaster designations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture this year.
Altogether, Michigan farmers have had just 3.5 days with proper conditions for field work as of June 9, 2019. Michigan’s crops are significantly underplanted with corn down from 88 percent to 63 percent and soybeans at only 43 percent.
To view letter, click the link below:
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