ST. PAUL — Many view the $11 billion in federal aid for row crop farmers and another billion for other crop farmers who are looking into an emerging farm crisis as a Band-Aid.

President Donald Trump on Monday, Dec. 8, unveiled a $12 billion aid package for American farmers hurt by trade disruptions, many of whom face the financial trenches as they plan for next year's crop. Trump said the bailout will come from tariff revenues despite facing billions in lost sales from his trade war with China.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen called the bailout, which is considered taxable income, "needed and welcome."

"It covers Minnesota's big grain crops — we're in the top five in corn and soybeans, and definitely with the soybean market being here," Petersen said. "But also wheat,

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