Farmers get advice on cropland repairs after flood

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Farmers in Nebraska and Iowa whose cropland has been covered all summer by Missouri River floodwaters can get help dealing with the damage to their land.

Experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension and Iowa State University Extension are planning a Sept. 12 workshop for farmers. The event from 9:30 a.m. to noon will be broadcast over the Internet to 14 different locations along the river in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota that day.

Some flood damage, such as erosion and sand deposits, will be obvious once the floodwaters recede. But some damage to the soil won't be so easy to see or repair.

Experts from both universities will offer advice on dealing with flood damage, and farmers will have an opportunity to ask questions.

"It is important for us to share information with those tasked with caring for farmland post flooding, but it is also important for Extension to hear the concerns and specific issues these folks have on their land," said Shawn Shouse, an Iowa State agricultural engineer.

The presentations will cover topics such as sediment removal, flooded soil syndrome and crop insurance for flooded land.

Experts predict that farmers will find piles of sand and miscellaneous debris on their land once the floodwaters recede. The rushing water from the Missouri River picked up deposits of sand from the river bed and carried it onto the flood plain. And in places where the current continued to move swiftly, the floodwaters may have dug scouring holes in the farmland.

UNL Extension educator John Wilson said the webcast technology will allow many people affected by the flooding to attend the workshop without traveling large distances.

The Missouri River has been spilling out of its banks in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri since June. Massive amounts of water have been released from the upstream dams all summer to deal with heavy spring rains and significant snowpack.

The floodwaters have begun to recede, but some flooding is likely to continue into late September or October.


Online:

Workshop: http://bit.ly/qBTnfF