News reports showing the devastating flooding in Nebraska show the incredible tragedy facing so many farmers this spring and compounding the impacts of an already weak agricultural economy. As farm families face these hardships, the National Corn Growers Association extends its deepest empathy and support.
This already devastating situation appears likely to hit even more of America’s farm families. Farmers have been impacted by record flooding in the upper Mississippi and Missouri River basins including Minnesota and Iowa, as well as Nebraska, already this year. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts an elevated risk for flooding through May. Nearly two-thirds of the Lower 48 states face an elevated risk of flooding, with the potential for major or moderate flooding in 25 states.
While these times of crisis place so many at risk, they also serve to highlight the incredible generosity and resiliency in rural America. With many states coordinating efforts to send aid to impacted farmers. The organization Farm Rescue has activated Operation Hay Lift while citizens, churches and business groups have volunteered to fill sandbags for others. Michigan farmers hoping to help their neighbors can find information on Ag Community Relief at https://www.agcommunityrelief.com/current-efforts/
Resources are available for those impacted by flooding.
The Nebraska Farm Bureau launched a disaster relief fund and information exchange portal. To learn more, visit https://www.nefb.org/get-involved/disaster-assistance.
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture compiled a list of resources for those impacted which is available at http://nda.nebraska.gov/resources/.
For information on flooding and stored grain by University of Nebraska – Lincoln, visit https://cropwatch.unl.edu/flooded-stored-grain.
For Environmental Guidance on storm recovery from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, visit http://www.neo.ne.gov/environment/flooding.html.
For resources designed particularly for agriculture from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln, visit https://flood.unl.edu/agriculture.
Nebraska Cattlemen launched a disaster relief fund. To learn more, visit https://nebraskacattlemen.org/disaster-relief-fund/.
The University of Missouri Extension prepared a list of flood-related resources as well which can be viewed at https://extension2.missouri.edu/news/flood-related-resources-from-mu-extension-3059.
For information on preparing to rebuild and avoiding scams, visit https://nema.nebraska.gov/operations/returning-home.
For a list of resources for those impacted by flooding compiled by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, visit https://iowaagriculture.gov/news/resources-flooding.
For tips on flood preparation in Minnesota, click here.
For tips on flood preparation compiled by the North Dakota State Government, visit https://www.nd.gov/des/get/flood-preparedness/.
COVID-19 Resources
NCGA is taking a series of actions to do our part to help contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic fallout it is creating for corn farmers and our customers. Short term, this means instituting policies to protect the health and safety of our stakeholders and the broader communities we serve. Long term, we’re focused on creating solutions to help corn farmers and our customers recover from the financial impacts of this crisis.
CommonGround
CommonGround is a group of farmers connecting with consumers through conversations about science and research and personal stories about food and misinformation surrounding farming. Supported by the NCGA and state corn organizations.
SHP
The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) is a farmer-led initiative that fosters transformation in agriculture through improved soil health. Administered by NCGA the partnership has more than 220 working farms enrolled in 16 states. SHP’s mission is to utilize science and data to partner with farmers who are adopting conservation agricultural practices that improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the farm.
