Mike Pearson takes a look at a derecho that hit North Dakota two weeks ago. It started out as thunderstorm but eventually had winds reaching 100 mph.
This destroyed grain storage causing a crisis months before harvest.
The devastation across North Dakota has prompted swift action from state leaders.
With tens of millions of bushels of grain storage lost bins crushed or tossed hundreds of yards.
North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong unveiled the Grain Storage and Rebuilder Program funded by the state's rebuilder program.
Nearly $37 million is available to help farmers with critical infrastructure before harvest.
North Dakota farmers can access two different kinds of assistance.
The first provides up to $100,000 in storage support with no collateral needed. This covers baggers, hopper bins or temporary storage rentals to ensure harvest continuity this fall.
The second facility repair and replacement assistance provide financing to rebuild or repair permanent structures such as flat bottom bins, grain dryers, barns, machine shops and irrigation pivots.
Both loans carry a low two percent interest rates and a term of 24 months with interest only payments due annually.
However, if insurance pay outs come through, they must be applied towards the repayment.
The Bank of North Dakota is coordinating this program and applicated opened July 9. They will remain open until Dec. 31.
Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.