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Flood resources available to producers in Midwest

Have questions about cleaning up debris or sediment? Not sure where to begin? Here are some helpful links.

May 22, 2019

3 Min Read
nebraska flooded farmland
HELP AVAILABLE: There are several unknowns when it comes to recovering from flooding — including how to deal with crop residue deposited by floodwaters. Tyler Harris

By Farm Progress staff

No matter where you are in the Midwest, there seems to be no escaping the effects of this spring's major flood events. From Nebraska to Iowa to Missouri to Illinois, numerous counties along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and their tributaries have declared emergencies because of flooding.

Few have felt the effects of this natural disaster as much as farmers and ranchers — many of whom were already facing economic pressure from low commodity prices before the severe weather.

While natural disasters such as flooding seem to be becoming a more common threat for agriculture, there still are several unknowns when it comes to picking up the pieces. Fortunately, resources are available for farmers and ranchers affected in different parts of the U.S.

With that in mind, we've compiled a list of helpful links for those affected by flooding:

• The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has dedicated a website to flood resources. This includes links providing information for those dealing with flooded stored grain, repairing flood-damaged fields, prevented planting and adjusting leases for flood-damaged fields, among other things.

• The Nebraska Department of Agriculture has provided several links to flood resources, including hay and fencing donations, the Hay and Forage Hotline to connect buyers and sellers of hay, and the Nebraska Rural Response Hotline for those feeling overwhelmed with stress.

• In the process of cleaning up after flooding, keep in mind the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality has guidelines in place for dealing with flood-damaged grain and hay, sand and sediment cleanup and disposing of livestock mortalities.

• The Nebraska Emergency Management Agency also has helpful links available, including one on flood safety and preparedness.

• For Missourians affected by flooding, the University of Missouri Cooperative Extension Service offers information on cleanup and safety, including dealing with mold growth, contaminated wells, flooded roads and infrastructure, and even handling nuisance wildlife such as snakes and rodents.

• The Missouri Department of Agriculture site has links to resources on emergency assistance programs for farmers and ranchers affected by flooding, including federal programs and contact info for county Farm Service Agency offices.

• Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency offers information on flood recovery and debris removal, including how to dispose of different kinds of debris and potential contaminants.

• Iowa State University Extension has several flood-related links on its disaster resources website, including an FAQ on prevented planting, guides for managing wells contaminated by flooding and flooded grain, and post-flood considerations for soil management. Extension's website also has information available on Iowa Concern's crisis hotline for those dealing with stress.

• The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship website lists resources for dealing with flood-damaged grain and hay, selling damaged grain and a list of buyers for damaged grain.

• The 2019 Iowa Floods page includes links for disaster recovery assistance and travel information — including for commercial truckers.

• The Iowa Department of Public Health website offers information on health risks associated with the aftermath of flooding, including information on agricultural respirators.

This isn't a comprehensive list — if you have questions on disaster recovery assistance programs, reach out to your state department of agriculture or your local Extension office.

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