On October 15, Senator Torrey Westrom [R-Elbow Lake] will attend the Ashby Farmers Cooperative Elevator members meeting at the Ashby American Legion at 7 PM. The meeting is being held to discuss recent developments following the closure and reopening of the elevator.

“This situation has unfortunately impacted many in our community,” said Senator Westrom, Chairman of the Minnesota Senate Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing Finance. “Tonight, I’m going to listen to the farmers, cooperative members, and all those who have been affected by this situation to understand the full extent of what occurred and the impact on farmers and the agriculture community.”

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is recommending that any farmer who has not received payment or who had grain stored at the elevator to submit a bond claim with the Department. The elevator, in accordance with the law, held a bond with the Department to help grain sellers and depositors mitigate any losses. To submit a claim, a farmer will need to complete a Grain Bond Proof of Claim Form. The form and more details on how to submit a claim can be found at www.mda.state.mn.us/grain.