Iowa State University Extension Crops Specialist Joel DeJong discusses with farmers available options for crops after the crops were hit by a Thursday evening hail storm.
(Le Mars) — While Le Mars received only a small amount of rain and no storm activity, other parts of Plymouth County and regions to the west and south of us were not as fortunate. Hail damage has been reported in western Plymouth County
near Akron, and flash flooding with severe erosion was reported in Woodbury County from Sioux City to Moville.
Akron farmer Randy Krosch, says he sustained some major hail damage to his crops.
Krosch says the band of hail stretched for an area three miles wide.
Although his crops sustained major hail damage, Krosch doesn’t believed they were totaled. He remains somewhat optimistic, and is hoping for a partial crop, but he acknowledges some concerns.
Tom Huls, another Akron farmer sustained hail damage to his calving shed’s skyroof windows.
Twenty farmers within the hail-damaged area met with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Crops Specialist, Joel DeJong this morning to determine their available options. Huls says he will wait a few days before making a final decision, but he hopes to salvage his corn crop by chopping it for silage.
Joel DeJong says most of the hail-damaged corn may be able to still produce a crop, although it will be with less yield.
Across the road, the hail-damaged soybean field inspected by DeJong and the group of farmers, looked like there was nothing remaining. But DeJong says the soybeans may return with growth.
