Several factors have put a severe strain on Minnesota farmers.
Tariffs and wars overseas are the main factors, but help may be on the horizon.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Thom Peterson says its been a tumultuous year.
" We can see indicators where Minnesota leads the nation in chapter 12 bankruptcies," says Peterson, " we had I think 300 farmers get mediation notices last month."
He says the good news is that certain crops are strong.
"Corn and soy beans kind of in the southern part of the state, were having some really strong yields, south of I-94."
Peterson says they've lost 12-hundred farmers over the last two years and he's worried more could join them because rising costs and droughts are making things difficult.
" Even now 60% of Minnesota is still in some kind of moderate drought. 30% is in a severe drought. My own county is in a severe drought, Pine County. So, you have those pockets of the state where farmers are going to be behind, but hopefully they have insurance and other things that can help buffer that somewhat."
He did also mention President Trump's announcement of an $8-billion relief package nationwide to offset diesel costs.
"Any help right now is welcomed, and it's maybe not the way farmers want to get it. It's unfortunate that this is the way farmers have to get a paycheck, but it is important to help some of our farmers farming."
Peterson says though, those payments aren't expected until after the new year.
