Freezing Montana: Rehberg asks for ag emergency

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R.Mont, sent a letter to Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer Thursday requesting a declaration of emergency for counties and reservations adversely impacted by record-cold temperatures across the state. Rehberg, who has been in close contact with stakeholders throughout Montana as well as representatives from the Department of Agriculture (USDA), said in his letter that a formal declaration of emergency was necessary for federal relief measures to get under way.

“While we can’t yet quantify the specific damage done to the sugar beet and potato crops, every producer, county commissioner and agriculture organization I’ve talked with has agreed that there will be serious damage,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a rancher. “I’ve got the USDA standing by, but before they can do anything, they need a formal declaration from the governor.”