TEN NAPEL – FLOODED CROPS
Farmers whose crops were affected by the flood have a lot of decisions to make. Area Agronomist Leah Ten Napel says the first thing to do is consult with your crop insurer.
If you have a stand that will survive the flood, Ten Napel says there’s not much that can be done to aid their development.
Producers also have to be concerned about the condition of the soil in the flood areas, and the inputs that have been lost.
Some options for producers are planting cover a cover crop in a flooded field, in order to control weeds or to provide forage for livestock. Ten Napel says it’s too late to replant corn, and soybeans are near that point.
Flooded fields where parts of the plants stay above the flood line can survive. Ten Napel says corn and soybeans are remarkably resilient plants, and can withstand some floods.
TenNapel also urges anyone, farmer or non-farmer, to deal with the stress of the flood. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has a 24/7 Iowa Concern Hotline, which she says is a great resource for anyone concerned about any issues involving disaster recovery, finances, or overall stress. Their number of 1-800-447-1985.
