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Farmer impact of flooding in northeast Iowa

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A farm management specialist in northeast Iowa says it’s too early to tell how recent flooding will impact area farmers.

Melissa O’Rourke with Iowa State University works out of the extension office in Decorah, where heavy rains a month ago and again this week have resulted in flash flood warnings.

“The Upper Iowa River is getting high (and) a lot of our smaller rivers and streams being quite high, and we know that from the north up in southern Minnesota they’ve had some very heavy rainfalls in the last 24 hours.  And a lot of that water is moving down into streams in this area.”

She says silage harvest has been delayed, and farmers are asking questions about water damage to corn and soybeans.

“What is the USDA saying in terms of when do we consider those crops to be adulterated and be crops we don’t want to have entering our food chain?”

O’Rourke tells Brownfield each field is unique and farmers will need to work with their local extension or FSA office for clarification.

There is also concern that the combination of crop loss and low commodity prices may push some people over the edge.

“With different individuals with exactly where they are and it depends on what kind of damage that they’re having and how they’re going to be impacted at harvest.  We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, but it is a concern.”

ISU Extension offers a confidential, toll-free crisis hotline featuring trained staff that can be reached 24/7 at 800 447-1985.

 

 

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