U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman... who travelled to the Red River Valley with the President says flood-stricken farmers are eligible for a variety of crop loans and other assistance. Spring planting could begin this week in some parts of Minnesota, North and South Dakota. But in other areas there is still snow or standing water and it's doubtful some crops can even be planted this year. Farmers and ag officials say so-called "Freedom to Farm" legislation passed in 1996 is both a blessing and a curse to farmers facing disaster from blizzards and flooding. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland reports: The 1996 Farm Bill aimed to encourage more independence for farmers but it