JAMESTOWN, ND - (KFGO-AM) In an unprecedented move, two dozen farm organizations across the country, including the North Dakota Corn Growers Association and the North Dakota Farmers Union have filed comments with federal regulators on rate case complaint procedures.
State Farmers Union President Mark Watne says the filing with the Surface Transporation Board is the first step in preparing to challenge what railroads charge for grain transportation. He says acute grain car shortages as a result of increased oil train shipments has left farmers and elevators on the losing end financially.
Watne calls the situation for producers "a crisis." He says thousands of shipments are behind schedule. With much of last year's crop still in storage, he says there's little or no room for this year's harvest that isn't too far off